Alberta launches app for businesses to scan COVID-19 vaccine QR codes

EDMONTON -

The Alberta government has launched an app businesses can use to scan COVID-19 vaccine QR codes.

The app, AB Covid Records Verifier, is available for download in the Apple and Android app stores.

Much like the current proof-of-vaccination card, Albertans will scan their QR code when they enter a business participating in the province's Restrictions Exemption Program and show their ID.

"When a valid QR code is scanned, a green checkmark will verify the proof of vaccination. It's that easy for businesses and Albertans participating in the REP," Premier Jason Kenney told the media on Tuesday.

Health Minister Jason Copping called it a "more secure" vaccine record and said more than 800,000 people have already accessed their QR code.

Vaccinated Albertans can download their proof-of-vaccination QR code at alberta.ca/covidrecords and download it, take a screenshot or print it, Copping said.

The app won't store personal information, both Kenney and Copping said.

After Monday, Nov. 15, the code will become the only proof-of-vaccination document in Alberta.

The premier said he expects Alberta to have a proof-of-vaccination program until "at least the first quarter of next year, 2022."

"We are headed into an uncertain period, even as we continue to see downward momentum in the case numbers and hospitalization numbers. Even if we exit this fourth wave...we will have to be on our guard as we go into colder weather when people spend more time indoors."

Kenney and Copping said Alberta's vaccine passport, which was introduced three weeks ago as a restrictions exemption program, is having the desired effect.

Alberta Health shows 85 per cent of eligible Albertans, those aged 12 and over, have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That's up from 78 per cent a month ago.

More than 75 per cent have had the required two doses.

With files from The Canadian Press