Alberta's new COVID-19 vaccine passport system comes into effect today

Many businesses and events across the province will implement a vaccine passport system today that requires proof of a COVID -19 vaccination or a negative COVID -19 test from Albertans age 12 and older in order to gain entry.

Those who do not opt-in to the restrictions exemption program (REP) or are considered out-ofscope by the Alberta government must adhere to a strict set of public health measures, including capacity and operating restrictions.

Mandatory indoor masking remains in place regardless of whether a business has opted in to the program or not.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the REP. More information can be found at alberta.ca/covid19.

WHEN DO I NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION?

Beginning today and continuing until Oct. 25, proof of one dose of a COVID -19 vaccine is acceptable as long as the dose was given more than two weeks before the time of service.

After Oct. 25, proof of two doses will be required.

WHERE CAN I GET PROOF OF VACCINATION?

Albertans can use the paper immunization record they received at the time of vaccination as proof. They also can download and print a vaccine card by going to myhealth. alberta.ca/myhealthrecords or the Myhealthrecords app.

WHAT IF I'M NOT VACCINATED?

Albertans age 12 and older who are not vaccinated must provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter a space participating in the REP. The test must be paid for privately, and must be a Health Canada-approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test completed within the previous 72 hours. Tests must not be from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.

Proof of a valid test should be a written or printed copy that outlines the type of test, time of sample collection, clear indication of a negative result, and the laboratory that completed the test, if applicable. Photos of a rapid test taken off-site or completed self-tests or rapid tests are not accepted.

WHO CAN OPT IN TO THE EXEMPTION PROGRAM?

Businesses that implement the REP will be able to operate as usual, while mandatory masks are still required. The following businesses, entities, and events are considered in-scope to the REP and may opt in:

■ Restaurants

■ Nightclubs

■ Casinos, bingo halls, VLT lounges

■ Entertainment and recreation centres, such as bowling, racing, arcades, and billiards halls ■ Museums, art galleries

■ Movie theatres

■ Conferences, meeting spaces, halls and rented space (excluding dwelling units)

■ Weddings and funerals in public facilities where the facility maintains responsibility for adherence to these requirements

■ Professional sporting or performance events (spectator)

■ Private social events inpublic facilities where the facility maintains responsibility for adherence to these requirements

■ Recreation and fitness facilities

■ Adult recreational sport groups (players/participants)

■ Recreation classes and activities (outside physical activity)

■ Amenities in hotels and condos

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM THE EXEMPTION PROGRAM?

The REP does not apply to businesses or entities that need to be accessed by the public for daily living purposes, including all retail locations. The following are considered out-of-scope and are ineligible for the REP:

■ Events in private dwellings ■ Retail and shopping malls

■ Food courts

■ Libraries

■ Workers and employees in/on a work site for the purposes of their employment

■ Schools (kindergarten to Grade 12)

■ School curriculum-based activities

Accommodations (e.g., hotel) ■ Places of worship — for faith ■ services

Health services ■

Personal services ■

■ Wellness services ■ Publicly-funded post-secondary institutions, including cafeterias and residence common areas (post-secondaries will fall under a separate and sector-specific exemption)

■ First Nations college entities: Maskwacis Cultural College, Old Sun Community College, Red Crow Community College, University nuhelot'ine thaiyots'i nistameyimakanak, Blue Quills, Yellowhead Tribal College.

The REP also not does apply to employees, contractors, repair or delivery workers, volunteers or inspectors entering the space for work purposes, and children under 12.

RESTRICTIONS ON INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT, EVENT AND RECREATION FACILITIES THAT DON'T IMPLEMENT THE REP

Capacity is limited to one-third of fire code occupancy. Attendees must be with household members only, or two close contacts if they live alone.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO RESTAURANTS, CAFES, BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTCLUBS THAT DON'T IMPLEMENT THE REP?

Outdoor dining is allowed with a maximum of six per table — one household or two close contacts for those living alone. Liquor sales end at 10 p.m. and consumption ends at 11 p.m.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO ADULT SPORT, FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES THAT DON'T IMPLEMENT THE REP?

Indoor group classes and activities are not permitted. Indoor competitions are paused, except if a vaccine exemption has been granted. Indoor one-on-one training and solo activities are allowed with three-metre physical distancing.

Outdoor activities can continue with no restrictions.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO RETAIL, SHOPPING MALLS AND FOOD COURTS?

As these are considered out-ofscope to the REP, they must limit capacity to one-third of fire code occupancy, attendees must be with household members only, or two close contacts if they live alone, and indoor food courts must close to in-person dining, while takeout is allowed.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO PLACES OF WORSHIP?

As places of worship are considered out-of-scope to the REP, capacity is limited to one-third of fire code occupancy. Masks are mandatory and two metres of physical distancing is required between households or those with two close contacts who live alone.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS?

Indoor wedding ceremonies and funeral services can have up to 50 people or 50 per cent of fire code occupancy, whichever is less. Receptions are prohibited unless the host facility implements the REP, in which case there would be no cap on attendance, according to Alberta's chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

Outdoor ceremonies, services and receptions can have up to 200 people, but liquor sales must end at 10 p.m. and consumption at 11 p.m., unless the REP is implemented.

CAN I GET AN EXEMPTION TO A COVID-19 VACCINE?

Yes, however, experts say the likelihood of being granted a medical exemption is rare. A valid medical exemption is the original signed letter from a physician or a nurse practitioner that includes a person's name, matching identification, the physician's or nurse practitioner's complete information, including name, phone number, contact information, professional registration number and signature.

The exemption must state there is a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID -19, and the duration of the exemption is valid.