Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks to media after a tour of the COVID-19 mass immunization clinic and drive-thru immunization space at the International Trade Centre in Regina on Feb. 18.Michael Bell/The Canadian Press
Saskatchewan residents were able on Monday to start downloading a digital QR code from their eHealth account showing proof of vaccination.
The government said in a news release that the code – which can be downloaded or printed – replaces the COVID-19 vaccination record that was made available in August but did not include a digital format.
The province announced last week that proof of vaccination will be required at non-essential businesses – including restaurants, casinos, movie theatres and indoor sports venues – beginning Oct. 1.
It won’t be required for civil services, retail or grocery stores, places of worship, hotels or at non-ticketed amateur sporting events.
Businesses can verify the QR codes on mobile devices using a special app.
The news release said travellers at international borders will also be able to use the code.
“This is the next, improved version of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccination record,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said in the release.
“It has been something that travellers, businesses and organizations have been asking for.”
The announcement followed a record-breaking 543 daily cases in Saskatchewan on Sunday.
On Monday, the province reported 519 infections and two deaths. The active number of cases stood at 4,672. Some 253 people were being treated in hospital.
Saskatchewan remains in the first phase of its triage plan, which means choices are being made about which surgeries need to be cancelled to free up space.
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