In a press conference on July 8, Quebec Minister of Health Christian Dubé confirmed the province plans to use proof of vaccination to limit people's access to non-essential services. However, Dubé did clarify that Quebec's vaccine passport system would only be used if the situation worsens in the fall.
As for the activities, they would include:
High-risk activities involving a limited number of people (gyms, team sports, bars, restaurants, etc.).
Moderate or low-risk activities that bring together a larger number of people (arts and entertainment, festivals and major events, sports matches, etc.).
Speaking to reporters, Dubé said that if Quebec does create a COVID-19 vaccine passport, it would be as early as September 1st.
“To be quite clear, the vaccination passport will not be used for access to services. Only for non-essential things,” said Dubé. He later reiterated that the passport would only be used for proof of people who are double vaccinated if an outbreak occurs again. “The passport will be used if and only if outbreaks justify us doing so.”
Dubé continued to encourage people to get the vaccine while also acknowledging that he understands not everyone will do so.
"Those who refuse to get vaccinated, I have often told them it's their right," Dubé said.
"But they need to know, in the case of an outbreak or transmission in their area, they risk having to [self] isolate, having to get tested, or not having access to certain activities."
As of Wednesday, Quebec reported an increase in cases of the Delta variant, which is spreading fast across parts of Europe and is believed to be more transmissible than the original strain of the coronavirus. The province is expecting variants to continue to spread in the future, which could play a major role in how public health responds to the ongoing crisis.
Dubé also stated that 95 per cent of recent Quebec COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations occurred among non-vaccinated people.
“With vaccination, we have found an alternative to generalized confinement,” the minister said, adding that “Vaccination is our passport to a return to normality.”
Via The Montreal Gazette
