Quebec's vaccine passport will gradually be phased out next month.
In a press conference this afternoon, officials announced the end of the vaccine passport as of March 14.
The first step is the end of the vaccine passport requirement for entry to big box stores, SAQs and SQDCs.
As of tomorrow Wednesday, Feb. 15, the passport will no longer be required at large surface stores or at Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) liquor stores or at Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC).
As of Monday, Feb. 21, it will no longer be required at places of worship or at funerals.
As of Monday, March 14, it will no longer be required anywhere in Quebec, including bars and restaurants.
"We are removing it gradually as we live to learn with the virus," said Health Minister Christian Dube.
The vaccine passport will remain in place for travel abroad, said Dube, indicating it may be used in the future if another COVID-19 wave hits.
The Health Minister also hinted that although masks are still required in all public indoor spaces, the province could be lifting its mask mandate by mid-March.
The Health Minister stressed that “the current situation does not allow us to lift the rules” but that ‘eventually” people will have the choice to wear face masks “at their own discretion.”
The news comes after Quebec's COVID-19 hospitalization and other numbers have dropped in recent weeks.
