Albertans can add a QR code to their vaccine record, but it doesn't work yet
The provincial government has taken steps to improve the ability for Albertans to access their proof of vaccination against COVID-19, but there are still a few kinks to work out.
According to details on its website, residents can now add a QR code to their vaccine record.
A simple scan of the code at businesses and the entrance to events is expected to give organizers all they need to know to prove that the guest is fully vaccinated.
At least, that's the plan, officials say.
"The QR code cannot be scanned until the AB COVID Records Verifier app is launched," reads an online statement.
There is no timeline on when the scanner will be available for download.
GOVERNMENT SEEKS APPROVAL
The Alberta government says its AB COVID Records Verifier app needs to pass approval in a number of app stores before it can be downloaded and utilized by the public.
Until that time, the government says there are many different ways Albertans can prove they've been vaccinated.
"Albertans can continue to use any existing valid form of proof of vaccination, including their paper record from a vaccination provider or a download, screenshot, or printed copy of their proof of vaccination from Alberta.ca/CovidRecords or MyHealthRecords," said Amanda Krumins, assistant communications director with Alberta Health in an email to CTV News.
Officials assure Albertans the QR code does not contain any personal information.
Anyone experiencing issues can go to the government's website for help.
ENFORCEMENT
In the meantime, as they await the QR code, local business are enforcing the passport requirements with various degrees of success.
WinSport now has security guards manning each entrance.
Anyone coming inside must show identification and proof of innoculation.
"We've done some training sessions with some of the groups and we've brought in some extra people to work with the team," said Dale Oviatt. "We want to make sure they are well supported because we know some people don't agree with what's going on."
Oviatt said for the most part, the public has been co-operative with the rules, and that's allowed activities and events to continue at the venue.
He added that WinSport staff will adapt once the QR code is implemented.
"That'll be a learning curve as well," he said. "What we've got now, with our staff manually checking is working - there hasn't been any issues, it's a positive. We don't know what the next step will be but we'll go with the flow."
The transition hasn't been as smooth in the funeral industry.
"It's difficult to communicate the message to families that they need to bring confirmation of vaccination or a negative test, especially when we are not able to speak to everyone coming in for a funeral," said Jeff Hagel with McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, "We have people coming from across Canada , they're not familiar with Alberta's restrictions."
McInnis & Holloway has hired commissionaires to monitor passport compliance in their venues, saying staff didn't feel comfortable taking that responsibility on.
"That's not in our make-up, telling someone 'no'", said Hagel. "We do not want to turn away a mother, a brother, a nephew, a cousin or a friend at the door."
Hagel said they are also ordering rapid COVID-19 tests that can be used for attendees who not have proof of vaccination.
The province said its COVID-19 Records Verifier App , which is needed to work with the QR code's, will be launched in coming weeks, after app stores sign off on it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.