The provincial government has released the details of its vaccine passport program.
The passport will work through three separate options: A physical passport, through the use of an app called NLVaxPass, or for those without an NL vaccine record—such as travelers—a physical or electronic copy of your vaccine record is acceptable.
Businesses will scan the codes using an app called NLVaxVerify, which will be available for download as of tomorrow.
Premier Furey announces that the province’s passport apps will be known as NLVaxPass (for residents) and NLVaxVerify (for businesses) @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/YuKc6NAbKl
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) October 7, 2021
People can get their QR code through the app itself, MyGovNL, and through the online vaccine portal.
Those with limited access to technology can call 1-833-951-3859 to have the document mailed out.
When entering a business requiring the passport, all people age 12 and over will also be required to show a piece of ID to prove they are the owner of the associated QR code.
Children between age 12 and 18 must show ID that states their name and date of birth, such as a school ID or MCP. Those 19 and older must show a photo ID.
Penalties for violations will fall under the Public Health Protection and Promotion Act. For individuals, that could mean fines between $500 and $2,500, jail time up to 6 months, or both.
For businesses, it could mean a fine between $5,000 and $50,000.
There will be a two-week grace period for enforcement, with the program coming into full effect on October 22.
Where will the passports be required? At non essential businesses/activities. Here’s the breakdown @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/wC0c43V8ib
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) October 7, 2021
Where will a Vaccine Passport be Required?
There is a long list of venues run by businesses and organizations where a vaccine passport will be required.
They include arenas, indoor gyms, and fitness facilities, yoga and dance studios and all indoor sports and recreational activities.
Group music, art, dance and drama activities are also include as well as indoor entertainment facilities.
Vaccine passports will also be required to access certain businesses including bars and lounges, access to indoor seating in restaurants, movie theatres and performance spaces, auto dealerships and bingo halls.
They will also be required in congregate living settings for seniors.
The vaccine passport will not be required in schools, child care centres and after-school programs, post-secondary institutions, retail stores, shopping malls and public markets, health care facilities, taxis and public transit, hotel and bed and breakfasts, banks and places where government and other public services are offered.
As far as church services and other faith-based activities and gatherings go, the provincial government says if proof of vaccination is not able to be verified, then all attendees will be subject to certain restrictions.
They include limiting capacity to 50 per cent, the use of masks for all attendees including the officiant and musicians, and physical distancing must be maintained.
Congregational singing will not be permitted if proof of vaccine cannot be verified, and the names and contact information of all attendees must be recorded and held for 14 days.