The Northwestern Health Unit is in support of providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination and will back affected businesses and organizations.
“It’s important that the public recognizes this policy has been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of businesses having to close their doors once again,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon. “We are working with local businesses and organizations to ensure they know what is expected of them September 22.”
To access certain businesses and spaces in Ontario, as of today (September 22) you’ll have to show you’re fully vaccinated or provide a valid medical exemption.
You will also have to show government-issued identification until the launch of the province’s mobile app, expected to be available October 22.
Similar with previous health orders from the province, Dr. Young Hoon says the Health Unit will start with an educational approach but the requirement can be enforced further if necessary.
“Lots of information and education at this point and then it would be a complaint based enforcement process. It’s the usual enforcement officers for the Reopening Ontario Act. That does include by-law officers, it can also include regular OPP or police and can also include our (NWHU) public health inspectors.”
Set fines for failing to follow proof of vaccination requirement range from $750 for individuals and $1,000 for corporations.
Maximum penalties based on a prosecution include fines of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail for an individual, up to $500,000 and up to a year in jail for an individual who is a director or officer of a corporation and up to $10 million for a corporation.
Ontario saw appointment bookings double when the announcement was made September 1.
When it comes to the Northwest Dr. Young Hoon says, “Whether the reason is because this new legislation that could be but I think there’s many things that people factor in to when they are trying to come forward to be vaccinated. I don’t know if we’ve had a significant uptick but definitely at this point we’re seeing a steady number of people coming forward to be vaccinated and that’s great news.”
At time of publishing, 85% of the eligible population in the NWHU region has one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with 76.7% fully vaccinated.
More information of what businesses and spaces require proof of vaccination can be found here.
