Quebec’s vaccine passport in effect today after month of criticism, protests and hacks
Posted September 1, 2021 6:00 am.
Last Updated September 1, 2021 6:55 pm.
MONTREAL (CityNews) ─ Quebec’s vaccine passport system restricting non-vaccinated individuals from businesses the government deems non-essential − such as restaurants, gyms, and movie theatres − is in effect.
The province is requiring Quebecers to show a proof of vaccination before they can access these businesses.
The VaxiCode smartphone application launched in Quebec last week through the Apple store and was made available a few days later for Android users.
So far fewer than 30 per cent of people with both their COVID-19 vaccine doses have downloaded the VaxiCode app.
Quebecers aged 13 or older have to present their QR (quick response) code in the app to access non-essential services or to play team sports.
The app lights up green or red, depending on the person’s vaccination status.
Meanwhile VaxiCode Verif is for businesses and event organizers who need to scan QR codes. That information isn’t retained by the app. It disappears in a matter of seconds, according to government officials.
Customers will need to show identification to cross-reference their QR code.
READ MORE:
- Quebecers and businesses react to day one of vaccine passports
- September will be crucial month for COVID-19 in Quebec: health minister
- Vaccine passport app leaves seniors worried
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There will be some leniency in the first two weeks, but penalties will apply starting Sept. 15. Anyone who commits fraud in connection with the vaccine passport could face fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 and possible criminal charges.
The government says inspectors will be checking non-essential businesses for compliance and customers can also report those that aren’t checking QR codes. A business could be shut down if they don’t comply.
Businesses where a passport is required to enter include:
- Bars and restaurants, including patios
- Outdoor festivals
- Performance venues
- Stadiums and arenas
- Movie theatres
- Cruises
- Conventions
- Casinos
- Outdoor team sports or physical activities involving frequent contact
Passports will not apply to:
- Retail businesses
- Restaurant/takeout
- Libraries
- Museums
- Outdoor individual sports
- Private gatherings
- Ceremonies (weddings, funerals)
- Places of worship
- Spas and saunas
- Businesses offering personal and beauty care
The QR codes contain a person’s name, date of birth and information about the vaccinations they have received.
Last week, the government was forced to defend its vaccine passport system amid news that prominent politicians’ vaccination information had allegedly been stolen — including Quebec Premier Francois Legault.
Radio-Canada also reported about a hacker who was able to create a false proof of vaccination that was accepted by the smartphone application that businesses are required to download to verify clients’ vaccination status.
The province says people who can’t get vaccinated due to medical reasons will still be offered a vaccine passport.
