Ontario reportedly considering digital COVID-19 vaccine passport

By Michael Ranger, News Staff

A digital immunity certificate issued to anyone who has been vaccinated in Ontario has reportedly been under consideration by the Ford Government.

Provincial documents obtained through freedom of information by researcher Ken Rubin and shared with the Globe and Mail layout the province’s plans as of last December.

The plans include a mockup vaccination receipt with a QR code that links to a digital certificate. The code could then be scanned on a smart phone as a way to verify someone’s vaccination status.

The plan at that time included a potential January launch date and a spokesperson for Premier Doug said that nothing has been finalized and the plans detail just one option that is being considered.

The documents say that concerns have been raised about privacy issues surrounding “vaccine passports” but notes that the province already has a form of immunity certificates for children.

Currently, anyone vaccinated in Ontario receives a piece of paper proving such.


RELATED: Almost 2.2 million more vaccine doses coming this week as COVID-19 cases spike


Vaccine passports and certifications are being considered by governments around the globe as a way to verify immunization status and allow inoculated people to travel freely and attend events.

The idea has faced resistance from Republicans in the United States, arguing it infringes and personal freedoms and private health choices. GOP lawmakers in a number of states have rushed out proposals to ban their use.

The only state in which they currently exist is in New York, in the form of a limited government partnership with a private company.

The U.K. is planning to test a series of measures including “coronavirus status certifications” over the coming weeks to see if they can allow people to safely return to mass gatherings at sports arenas, nightclubs and concerts.

People attending a range of events, including conferences and soccer’s FA Cup, will need to be tested both before and after. The trials will also gather evidence on how ventilation and different approaches to social distancing could enable large events to go ahead.


With files from the Associated Press

 

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