Alberta launches app for businesses to scan COVID-19 vaccine QR codes
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
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Donald Trump assails judge and his daughter after gag order in N.Y. hush-money criminal case
Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday at the New York judge who put him under a gag order that bars him from commenting publicly about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors in his upcoming hush-money criminal trial.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.
Democrat who ran on abortion rights flips seat in deeply conservative Alabama
Marilyn Lands, who campaigned on abortion rights in deeply conservative Alabama, won a special election to the Alabama Legislature, in a victory that Democrats say illustrates voter backlash to extreme reproductive restrictions imposed by Republicans.