Delayed vaccine status cards: What Albertans need to know
If you live in Alberta and woke up extra early Thursday morning to print out your new vaccine status card, you may have noticed you can't… at least, not yet.
The province's previously announced date of Thursday, Sept. 16 for the vaccine card rollout has been delayed until Sunday, Sept. 19.
With Alberta's newly announced proof of vaccination program set to start on Sept. 20, Health Minister Tyler Shandro assured Albertans they'll still be able to use their existing vaccination records as proof when the new rules take effect.
"Albertans are able to use their existing records. Whether they receive them from a pharmacy like I did, or from AHS, when the proof of vaccination requirements are implemented on Sept. 20. and even after Sept. 20, you will be able to use your original copies," he said during Wednesday's supper-hour news conference.
Shandro added that screenshots or photos of vaccine documents would also be acceptable.
On Thursday morning, more than 100,000 people were trying to log on to the province's MyHealth Records website.
"I want to apologize for the difficulties experienced by Albertans in accessing MyHealth Records over the last 24 hours," said Shandro. "Significant improvements to MyHealth Records are being made as we speak. And for the time being, Albertans should avoid logging in to MyHealth Records to download their immunization records."
Shandro acknowledged the flaws of the loose rules around proof of vaccination for the interim, calling the current situation "unavoidable."
"We realize that this system is imperfect and some people may choose to abuse the system," he said. "That's why in the coming weeks, we'll be introducing a QR code that will be a much more secure format. It will be downloadable.
"Details will be announced as soon as possible."
HOW PROOF OF VACCINATION WILL WORK IN ALBERTA
Beginning Monday, businesses in Alberta will be able to take part in the province's Restrictions Exemption Program.
Businesses, such as restaurants, that opt into the program will require people aged 12 and older to provide proof of vaccination or documentation of a medical exemption in order to enter.
From Sept. 20 to Oct. 25, proof of a single dose will be sufficient provided the dose was given at least two weeks previous.
As of Oct. 26, proof of double vaccination will be required to enter businesses enrolled in the Restrictions Exemption Program.
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours may also be used to access events and businesses. They must be COVID-19 PCR or rapid tests that are paid for privately.
Restaurants that choose not to participate in the program will not be allowed to offer indoor dining to customers.
Businesses, like grocery stores and retail outlets, will not be eligible for the Restrictions Exemption Program and will be required to follow all provincial restrictions.
Shandro said the program is intended to encourage unvaccinated Albertans to get the shot.
"Thousands of surgeries and medical procedures have had to be cancelled to create capacity in our hospitals and ICUs for unvaccinated Albertans," said Shandro. "Vaccines are the only way out of these public health restrictions and to protect lives."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.