In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Doug Ford announced that proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to access non-essential businesses in Ontario. This includes gyms, indoor dining at restaurants and bars, movie theatres and concert halls.
As of September 22, 2021, residents of Ontario will need to be fully vaccinated and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. These areas include:
Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, delivery and takeout)
Nightclubs (including outdoor areas)
Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference centres
Gyms, Fitness and Sporting activities (excluding youth recreational sport)
Sporting events
Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas
Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs
Racing venues
The mandatory requirements do not apply to outdoor settings where the risk of transmission is lower, such as patios. The requirements will not apply to settings where people receive medical care, grocery stores and stores that sell medical supplies. Aligned with public health measures currently in place, indoor masking policies will continue to remain in place.