'Predictably chaotic': Businesses left to decide whether or not to keep proof of vaccination system
Effective March 1 proof of vaccination will no longer be required in almost all public settings across the province.
However, London’s mayor and the acting medical officer of health for Middlesex-London are encouraging businesses to maintain vaccine certificate checks.
But without a province-wide requirement to offer consistency, some businesses are left weighing the pros and cons of ditching the vaccine passport system.
During the lunch hour, Helena Hodivoianu, the owner of Saga, a corner cafe in downtown London, asked two patrons for their vaccine certificate as they walked up to the counter.
In less than a week, Hodivoianu won’t need to ask for proof of vaccine, but she says she hasn’t really had much time to think about the new process yet.
“We’re just so used to getting them and making sure that everyone is safe inside as well. It’s just kind of abrupt all of a sudden, so we just don’t know if we’re going to do a gradual thing or how it’s going work just yet,” said Hodivoianu.
Ontario has required proof of at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter select setting during much of the pandemic, but the province is lifting this policy effective March 1, however businesses may opt to keep it in place.
The CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce, Graham Henderson says this is ‘predictably chaotic,’ leaving many struggling businesses to make the decision on their own.
“When the government decided that they were going to kind of leave it to businesses to make the decision, businesses were kind of forced to make decisions based on what? Science? Personal opinions about safety? Worries about their patrons? And I keep hearing this competitive advantage,” Henderson said.
Owner of Waldo’s on King, Mark Kitching says his staff is excited to have the mandate lifted, as it makes their job more difficult.
“Everybody is feeling a sense of relief… and I think two years, two years plus now, it’s time for us to get on with our lives now,” said Kitching.
Elizabeth McGinley who works as a server at the restraint agrees with Kitching.
“It’s definitely hindered things as people are coming in – you know you have to stop them, especially kind of like the repetition of it I feel like, it’s just going to be nice to not have to do that as much,” said McGinley.
And although many are looking forward to the end of vaccine certificates, Henderson says it’s not that simple for some establishments.
“Some people have decided they are going to extend the requirement for a period of time. Now I understand in the case of some venues they are making this decision on the theory that people purchased tickets for a show in April, based on the idea that they would have to give a vaccine certificate, so there was an expectation,” said Henderson.
The Grand Theatre in London and the Stratford Festival are two places, that are opting to keep vaccination requirements in place for the foreseeable feature.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.