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QR codes are back for Saskatchewan residents to prove they’ve had a COVID-19 vaccination.
The codes were removed from MySaskHealthRecord accounts on Friday due to privacy issues. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health said in a media release the problem had been “resolved” and the codes once again were available for people to download or print.
“Any QR codes that were saved/printed or captured prior to today should be deleted or destroyed as they have been made invalid and new QR codes must be retrieved from your MSHR account,” the release said.
But while the codes once again can be downloaded, the apps needed for businesses to read them aren’t ready yet. The government is working with Apple and Google and the apps should be launched soon.
Even so, the provincial government’s proof-of-vaccination policy comes into effect Friday.
Residents must be able to show they have been vaccinated or have a negative test to get into businesses or venues where people gather.
That list includes: Indoor dining at restaurants; nightclubs, bars, taverns and other licensed establishments; event and entertainment venues, such as conference centres, casinos, movie theatres, concert venues, live-music venues, museums, and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events; and, indoor fitness centres and gyms.
The government said proof of vaccination won’t be required to access: Retail businesses, including grocery stores; places of worship; fast food restaurants offering takeout and delivery; health-care services, professional services, or personal services; hotels or other lodging; facilities hosting non-ticketed amateur sporting events, including youth athletics and recreational leagues; business meetings and places of business closed to the general public; private gatherings held at public indoor venues, such as weddings and funerals; and, private gatherings at private residences.
According to the government, acceptable forms of proof of vaccination are the QR codes, wallet cards that were received at the time of immunization, a printed copy of a MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code), a screenshot of a MSHR vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code) saved to a device, an earlier version of a MSHR COVID-19 vaccine certificate, or a COVID vaccine printout from Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health.
Businesses needing to see proof of vaccination will also need to see ID from anyone 18 and older.
Those aged 12 to 17 will have to show ID unless they’re accompanied by an adult with proof of vaccination and ID. Youths aged 12 to 17 who are visiting a business without an adult and who don’t have photo identification can show other forms of government-issued identification, such as a birth certificate or health services card.
Also Friday, all Government of Saskatchewan and Crown corporation employees will have to show proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative test at least every seven days. Employers outside the public service can opt in to the program if they want to implement the same policy for employees.
Proof of vaccination for all Saskatchewan Health Authority employees also will begin Friday. Health-care workers who don’t have proof of vaccination will have to take part in a monitored testing program at their own expense.
“A note of caution that some individuals are obtaining affidavits indicating they are exempt from vaccination,” the government’s release said. “Vaccinations are not mandatory in Saskatchewan and individuals may refuse to be vaccinated, therefore legal affidavits are not required and will not provide an exemption.”
Individuals who don’t have proof of vaccination can show proof of a negative COVID test from within the previous 72 hours.
The SHA is prioritizing testing for people with symptoms, so asymptomatic individuals won’t be tested unless they’re identified as close contacts, have had a positive rapid antigen test, are identified as part of an outbreak or require transfer or admission to long-term care, primary care, social services or intensive care units.
According to the government, a self-administered rapid antigen test will not be accepted as proof of a negative test. People who need a negative test will have to use private companies that will provide a rapid antigen test or a PCR test for a fee.