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
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.