Sask. residents react to the end of the vaccine passport

Proof of vaccination is no longer required in Saskatchewan as of Monday as the province begins removing its COVID-19 health measures.

On Monday, the provincial government announced it was decommissioning the SK Vax Verifier app, which businesses have been using to scan QR codes for proof of vaccination.

“The verifier app is no longer available for download by new users,” the government said in a media release. “Current users will be asked to delete the app from their device.”

Vaccination records will still be available on MySaskHealthRecord and can be printed or saved on a cellphone. The QR code is also still available through MySaskHealthRecord and through the SK Vax Wallet app.

Other public health measures — including masking in indoor public places and a mandatory five-day isolation for people who test positive for COVID — are to remain in place until the end of day Feb. 27. They’re to be lifted as of Feb. 28.

Reaction from different groups has been mixed since the government initially made its announcement Feb. 8.

Garson Debramalo says he’s looking forward to going to his gym in Saskatoon without needing a vaccine passport.

“The gym I go to has been very good with their cleaning and COVID protocols,” Debramalo said.

“I think as long as staff and members are still COVID conscious and practising cleaning and distancing, that it can be done in a safe manner.”

Debramalo says he isn’t worried about potentially working out with unvaccinated members.

“I believe that living a healthy and active lifestyle is just as important as getting vaccinated,” he said. “I’m vaccinated and if someone chooses to work out in the facility unvaccinated, that’s up to them.”

John Hicks is another active gym member who also loves to go out to certain restaurants with friends and family.

Hicks says it’s about time people move on from vaccine passports and negative tests.

“Honestly, in my opinion, I’m actually happy this is going to happen. I know some people aren’t but I feel like it’s just about time to get back to normal,” Hicks said.

“If people want to work out unvaccinated at the gym, that’s up to them. I’m not going to judge them or anything like that.”

Hicks admits he won’t mind certain establishments checking for proof of vaccination moving forward and it won’t sway his decision to attend businesses one way or another.

“Well, that’s just their choice. You can’t really force them. I’m still going to go to places like that,” Hicks said.

eHealth Saskatchewan will continue to make proof of vaccination records and QR codes available to Saskatchewan residents for use such as travel or in other jurisdictions.