Lethbridge businesses using Restriction Exemption Program now require QR code upon entry
Paper immunization records will no longer be accepted as proof of vaccination at non-essential businesses in Alberta.
Instead, places like restaurants and gyms taking part in Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) will only accept a provincial QR code upon entry.
The updated system will see businesses scan the QR codes using an app and check that identification matches.
Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce CEO Cyndi Vos says the cost to businesses is minor.
“It’s very accessible through the App Store, so when you go into a business right now you see it on cellphones, iPads, so that part shouldn’t be too bad for businesses to adjust to,” said Vos.
The downloadable QR code is available at COVIDRecords.Alberta.ca using your health care number. Vos says it's just one more thing for employees to do.
“Is it convenient, no, but this QR code does make it a bit easier because you get out whatever scanning device your using, you hit it, and then you see the person’s ID," said Vos. "Sometimes the paper copy is a little more cumbersome."
JoAnna Dautel, director of operations at the Cor Van Raay YMCA in Lethbridge, says for people accessing their facility, the process should remain relatively the same as when paper records were used.
“Already with the Restriction Exemption Program, we had people email in or show their documentation. So, the only thing that’s really changed is for those that drop in or single-use patrons,” said Dautel.
The YMCA will be providing help to those who are unsure how to download their QR code and will print them free of charge. Dautel says will be assisting customers through the first few days.
“We’ve tried to implement, to keep our community safe, and to make sure it’s as easy as possible for anybody to still access our facility without any barriers including technology that they may not have,” said Dautel.
The YMCA says no personal data is stored or accessed with the scan when visiting the facility.
Vos is asking the community to take it easy these first few days as businesses and staff adjust to the new change.
“There’s an adjustment period for everything, but it does seem that this extra layer of security helps the business owner, and it helps the patrons that are present,” said Vos.
For those who have not been vaccinated -- they can still provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours. Medical exemptions will also be accepted.
With files from CTV Lethbridge's Karsen Marczuk
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
WATCH LIVE As GC Strategies partner is admonished by MPs, RCMP confirms search warrant executed
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday it had executed a search warrant at an address registered to GC Strategies. This development comes as MPs are enacting an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power, summoning one of its contractors to appear before the House of Commons to be admonished publicly for failing to answer questions related to the ArriveCan app.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.