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‘Vaccine passports’ have become the burning topic of the day. They’ve also become a source of misconception. Here are 4 FAQs that I think can help clear up the confusion.
Q1. What is a vaccine passport’
A: A vaccine passport is a document, card or other item showing that a person must produce to show he/she got the COVID-19 vaccine. While some provinces are creating official cards or apps, passports can take many forms, including a signed doctor’s note, certificate from a vaccine provider or even a personal attestation.
Q2. What are vaccine passports required for’
A: Vaccine passports issued by the government may be required for international travel or to participate in certain kinds of non-essential public activities like attending a concert. Passports aren’t required for essential activities like food shopping or visiting a doctor.
Q3. Where are vaccine passports required’
A: Five provinces’BC, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec’are now or soon will be requiring passports for non-essential public activities like going to sporting events and restaurants. The federal government also requires vaccine passports for international travel.
Q4. Can employers require vaccine passports’
A: Although courts have yet to weigh in, guidance from public health agencies and privacy and human rights commissions suggest that workplace vaccine passports are legal as a temporary health and safety measure, provided that there are no less restrictive alternatives available and employers take measures to respect employees’ privacy and rights to accommodations.
