COVID-19 FAQs

1. What can I tell my guests if they have concerns?
As the situation develops, and once travel for tourism and recreational purposes are no longer restricted, we recommend you consider the following:

• Share with them any additional precautions you are taking. This can include sharing information on COVID-19, prevention measures you have taken and enhanced cleaning protocols. You are welcome to share NOTO’s health and safety protocols & NOTO’s infographics with them.
• Emphasize that your facilities are away from highly populated areas. You are located in a clean, natural environment with little to no contact with other individuals.
• Provide your guests with travel tips:

By Car:

• Have liquid hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your vehicle.
• Use disposable gloves when pumping gas and dispose of gloves when finished.
• Wash your hands before and after each travel stop.
• Bring garbage bags to dispose of used wipes, tissues, gloves and food items inside your vehicle and deposit into garbage receptacles at each travel stop.
• Plan ahead and bring food to avoid eating in restaurants.

By Plane:

• Have liquid hand sanitzer and disinfectant wipes in your carry-on.
• Wipe down frequently touched surfaces in and around your seating area. Dispose of used wipes and wash/sanitize your hands once you are done.
• Use alternative flights that avoid major international airports.
• You can also direct guests to travel information from various websites: Government of Canada, World Health Organization, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

2) What advice do you have for operators getting calls from guests inquiring about cancelling their trips?
We have reached out to a number of our members to ask them how they are dealing with these calls. We know that relationships you build with your clients are important to you and the success of your business but at a time like this, so is the revenue that you have generated from your deposits to date. Both are critical to your business’ survival. Finding a way to retain both can be a challenge but it is something you need to consider. Remember, this pandemic was impossible to foresee for anyone and it is not your fault that you cannot be open. A number of operators have shared with us the way they are dealing with calls from guests inquiring about cancelling. This is what we have heard:

• At this point, most are offering the option to postpone trips for later in the season. Bear Outfitters could offer to postpone spring hunting trips to the fall (if they can accommodate the increased number of guests for the fall)
• For those guests who wish to cancel or whose trip is being cancelled due to your inability to open, offer to defer their trip to next year and offer to apply a percentage of the deposit they paid for their 2020 trip towards their 2021 or 2022 (ie, 60-75% roll over). This gives you the opportunity to retain some of the deposit towards this year and shows your guests goodwill by sharing the cost with them.
• Another option would be to offer to spread the deposit over two future trips. This would help to minimize future impacts.
• Even if you have a no refund policy for deposits, these options may help to retain clients and ensure revenues for next year.
• It is not recommended that you return deposits entirely. This will put the future of your business in serious jeopardy.

In the future, if you do not do so already, it is recommended that you encourage your clients to purchase trip cancellation insurance. There are a number of companies that offer it and we can provide more details to anyone who may be interested in learning more.

3) I’m afraid of double-booking in the event that the border does reopen. What should I do?
As a business owner you should ask yourself the following questions: If you’re housing essential workers, will the workers be back next year? Will your guests be repeat clientele? What does your future look like if you don’t reach a certain number of bookings? Does the fate of your business depend on the border opening? Can you fill vacancies/replace US bookings with domestic clients? Your business is about tourism and depending on how you answer these questions, that’s a decision you would need to take.

4) How many guests can I book in one cabin?
UPDATED ANSWER: This depends on the gathering restrictions at the time.

1) How can I continue to market?
As the situation develops, and once travel for tourism and recreational purposes are no longer restricted, we recommend you consider the following:

• Keep an eye on where the virus has been confirmed and avoid new marketing initiatives in high-risk regions.
• Emphasize that your businesses are located in isolated outdoor environments, away from highly populated areas in Ontario if appropriate.
• You may wish to spend more dollars in marketing domestically to fill vacancies.
• Contact the destination marketing organization in your region for advice as well as potential new marketing initiatives and opportunities.
• Check with Destination Ontario to leverage their marketing campaigns.
• We advise against discounting your packages in any new marketing campaigns. You are providing a healthy and safe vacation destination option.

2) Should I continue my work permit application?
Yes. We encourage all operators to continue their work permit applications during this time. Please note: The Government is encouraging individuals to apply for work permits online. Due to service disruptions related to COVID-19, they are experiencing difficulties receiving and processing applications submitted by mail or in person at a VAC.

3) If we can’t open our business to the public, can we still hire staff to do maintenance?
UPDATED ANSWER: Yes. However, the Ministry of Labour will expect that you have some kind of enhanced health and safety policy that your employees have signed and proof that you have applied these enhanced measures to ensure the health and safety of your employees. NOTO has created a policy you can use to help you meet these requirements. Click here to access this policy. We recommend you meet the gathering restrictions and to ensure social distancing requirements are met. View additional resources and advice in the Maintenance section of our COVID-19 page.

4) Are accommodations deemed essential?
UPDATED ANSWER: This varies in each stage/lockdown. View current restrictions here.

5) Can I continue to book guests for the 2021/2022 summer season?
UPDATED ANSWER: Yes. Please view the current service restrictions here.

6) When is the Canada-USA border going to re-open for tourism/leisurely travel?
UPDATED ANSWER: Fully-vaccinated Americans will be able to come to Canada effective August 9th, 2021, as long as they meet all pre-entry requirements. Non-vaccinated or not fully-vaccinated Americans will not be permitted to enter Canada. Click here for more details. The continued border retrictions will depend on the actions taken by both Governments and the actions of the people residing in both countries.

7) When will American business owners be allowed to cross the Canada-US border to check on our properties?
UPDATED ANSWER: If you are a fully vaccinated American, you will be able to enter Canada as long as you meet all pre-entry requirements. Unfortunately, non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated US camp owners can not cross the Canada-US border to check on their properties without applying for a work permit. Please keep an eye on the border crossing page for updates.

8) What support programs have been made available so far?
Please view the Government Support section of our COVID-19 Page.

9) Does the order which prohibits camping on crown land impact my business if I operate with an LUP?
UPDATED ANSWER: Camping on crown land is no longer prohibited. Those with LUPs are not impacted by any emergency order impacting crown land, only those with regards to the essential services list and other business-related COVID-19 orders (closure of outdoor recreational amenities, restaurant restrictions, gathering restrictions, etc.).

10) Can I open my boat launch and allow the general public to use it?
UPDATED ANSWER: Please view the COVID-19 Restrictions for the latest updates.

11) Can I open my accommodations to house essential service workers?
Yes. Please view the Housing Essential Workers section of this page.

12) What are the guidelines for cabin occupancy?
Please view the gathering restrictions for more details.

13) Will the 14-day quarantine be waived if border reopens?
Many advoacy organizations are pressing Government to eliminate the 14-day quarantine. In order for this to be considered, Government will need to think about implementing rapid testing, vaccination cards, as well as other health and safety measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Click here to view current quarantine exemptions.

14) Can those staying seasonal campgrounds and trailer parks have guests come over?
During lockdowns, seasonal campgrounds and trailer parks must be closed. Only those with seasonal passes or those in need of housing are permitted. When open, those staying at a seasonal campground or trailer park must comply with gathering restrictions. This means campers and their guests must adhere to social gathering size restrictions and maintain physical distancing (2m or 6ft) with people outside their household and social circle, and when outside of their campsites.

15) We are a fly-in lodge. What if people are showing symptoms? What do we do?
Build an evacuation plan. Reach out to your local health unit, insurance company and air carrier (if applicable) to establish this plan. Ensure PPE is available including a hazmat suit in case you need to evacuate the person yourself. Identify various evacuation areas. Maybe there are boat or ATV access points you or emergency crews may access rather than flying out the individual.

16) What are the current restrictions for bars and restaurants? What about dining halls?
UPDATED ANSWER: Click here to view current restrictions. Remember to properly disinfect all tables and chairs between clients and to clean frequently touched surfaces (i.e door handles, washroom spaces) regularly.

17) Are masks mandatory?
UPDATED ANSWER: Masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces and businesses. Masks must also be worn if social distancing can not be maintained.

18) Can I open my playground and water play structures?
UPDATED ANSWER: Yes, your outdoor recreational structures can be open. Click here to view current restrictions.

19) Can I open my common areas at max capacity?
UPDATED ANSWER: No. You must ensure that you are in compliance with the current restrictions and ensure there’s enough space to maintain a physical distancing (2m or 6ft) distance between all individuals.

1) What would be the minimum amount of time to leave a cabin/boat vacant prior to cleaning?
The virus lives on various surfaces for different amounts of time. Health Canada has specified that the virus can live up to 4 hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to 3 days on plastics and stainless steel. The amount of time the virus can survive also depends on the relative humidity and temperature of the environment. The good news is that the virus is easily inactivated by using simple disinfectants and/or diluted bleach solutions. If you have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning solutions, you may safely proceed with a deep clean of the accommodations a few hours after your guest’s departure. For additional safety, and to minimize the amount of deep cleaning you would need to do, you may choose to leave the accommodations vacant for 24 to 72 hours. This decision would be yours to make and you would need to consider your bookings, staffing, PPE and cleaning product supply, etc.

2) Where does leather fit in in terms of disinfection?
Leather is a porous surface. Although there are no exact timelines as to how long COVID-19 may live on porous surfaces, Health Canada and the CDC both state that the virus can live longer on hard surfaces vs porous ones. You would need to use cleaners suitable to that surface, and ensure you follow the instruction labels to ensure proper contact time prior to wiping off for adequate disinfection.

3) What kind of mask is recommended?
N95 masks should be reserved for medical professionals. You can use medical grade surgical masks or use non-medical masks. The Government of Canada states the following for non-medical masks or face coverings: they need to be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material such as cotton or linen and be large enough to completely cover a person’s mouth and nose without gaping and can be secured to a person’s head with ties or ear loops.

4) Where can we find PPE?
Mask, safety goggles, and hand sanitizer has been made available through our Preferred Suppliers. NOTO is also collecting business names and including them on our COVID-19 webpage. If you know of any business who is selling these products, please let us know and we will include them in this list. The Government of Ontario also created a PPE directory which you can use.

5) Should ceilings and walls be regularly disinfected as well?
There is no need to disinfect ceilings between each client. In terms of cleaning, it is good practice to clean ceilings every once and a while to remove dirt/dust that may accumulate, especially around light fixtures. For walls, several organizations and Government agencies encourage the cleaning of walls where they have been visibly soiled or where individuals may commonly touch the walls, including areas to access/use a wall mounted item. This would include disinfecting the walls near the entrance as many may lean on the wall to put on/take off their shoes, walls near kitchen appliances, and walls by the beds.

6) What should we do about pots, pans, dishes and bakeware?
The concern with these items is more focused on the items that touch your mouth. In most cabins, dish sets are provided and individuals are expected to wash them. We highly encourage operators post signage as identified in the appendices of the health and safety protocols.

7) Cleaning/disinfection of dishes – is hand washing good enough or should we move to dishwashers?
Dishwasher is best as the hot water will provide additional disinfection however handwashing dishes with soap and water will do the job. Please ensure dishes are completely dry prior to re-use.

8) What about leaving accommodation between guests? Should we wait 24 hours before staff goes in and another 24 hours post-cleaning before new guests arrive? What are hotels doing?
Most hotels are waiting 24 hours prior to having housekeeping staff go in and clean. The longer you leave the area vacant, the less product you need to use to completely disinfect the accommodation unit. The virus lives of various surfaces for different amounts of time. Health Canada has specified that the virus can live up to 4 hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to 3 days on plastics and stainless steel. The amount of time the virus can survive also depends on the relative humidity and temperature of the environment. The good news is that the virus is easily inactivated by using simple disinfectants and/or diluted bleach solutions. If you have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning solutions, you may safely proceed with a deep clean of the accommodations a few hours after your guest’s departure. For additional safety, and to minimize the amount of deep cleaning you would need to do, you may choose to leave the accommodations vacant for 24 to 72 hours. This decision would be yours to make and you would need to consider your bookings, staffing, PPE and cleaning product supply, etc.

9) Do you recommend not providing bedding or do you recommend washing and drying?
If you are short handed, you may consider having guests bring their own bedding. We are a high service industry and we don’t want to make this as an official recommendation but it would depend on your business and where you can find efficiencies if you are a little strapped. Ideally, guests should bring their own pillows. You could provide blankets and other linens and launder them upon the guests’ departure but definitely encourage individuals to bring their own pillows as they breath directly on those.

10) What about hang drying linens?
All linens should be laundered using detergent and hot water. The key is to ensure the items are completely dry prior to reuse. You may choose to hang dry, however a dryer is best.

11) Are there any recommendations for outdoor seating (Muskoka chairs, tables, benches, etc.)?
Ensure they are 2m apart, disinfect regularly and post signage to warn people that they may be exposed to COVID-19 by using this equipment and of social distancing requirements.

12) Cleaners are hard on the environment, are there any eco friendly products that can be used?
Ecolab cleaning products have been classified as an effective cleaner against COVID-19 by the Government of Canada. Please ensure you read and follow the instructions on the product label to ensure proper disinfection.

13) Should we encourage guests to open window to increase ventilation upon departure?
The CDC highly recommends taking measures to improve air ventilation, including opening doors and windows to improve circulation. Encouraging guests to open windows upon departure could definitely be adopted as a best-practice.

14) Any recommendation for products that are water safe for power washing boats?
Unfortunately, we could not find a product that is 100% water safe. One product that has been deemed as an effective disinfectant against COVID-19 is Spray Nine’s Marine Cleaner however it’s safety data sheet does not have any ecological information. We recommend reaching out to Boating Ontario for more information on cleaners.

1. Do travellers still require a negative COVID-19 test taken 72hr prior to entering Canada?
Yes. All travellers must take a PCR (molecular) test with a negative result taken within 72hrs of crossing the border.

2. What are the requirements for children under the age of 12?
Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 travelling with fully vaccinated parents must meet all other required criteria to enter Canada, including submitting information electronically through ArriveCAN and all testing requirements (which includes the pre-arrival test, and Day 1 and Day 8 post arrival testing).

3. Do unvaccinated children between the ages of 13 and 18 need to quarantine?
Yes, non-vaccinated individuals between the age of 13 and 18 will need to quarantine for 14 days, and are required to take a COVID-19 test on Day 1 and Day 8 post arrival.

4. Will non-vaccinated or half-vaccinated Americans be permitted to enter Canada if they are able and willing to quarantine?
Entry to Canada will continue to be prohibited for U.S. travellers who are not fully vaccinated and for all other foreign nationals, unless they already meet an exemption set out in the Orders made under the Quarantine Act.

5. Is there a fee attached to the ArriveCAN app?
ArriveCAN is a free and secure app. The Government put out a statement warning people of scam apps pretending to be ArriveCAN asking for payment information. Click here for more information on the ArriveCAN app.

6. What constitutes as a proper quarantine plan?
The quarantine plan is mandatory for anyone entering Canada, regardless if they are fully vaccinated.

• Quarantine locations should be their vacation destination.
• Guests who are randomly selected for a test and test positive can choose to do their quarantine at their quarantine location here in Canada OR they can leave to go home.

We suggest that operators (if possible) have a cabin reserved as a self-isolation location for the guest that tests positive.

7. Where can I find all the pre-entry requirements that our guests will need?
You can view all the details that the Canadian Government expects from fully-vaccinated travellers here. This page will be updated as we approach August 9th. You can also share with your guests the backgrounder which also highlights all the pre-entry requirements for fully vaccinated Americans that will come in effect on August 9th.

8. Are there any testing or quarantine requirements for Americans returning to the USA?
As it currently stands, there are no testing or quarantine requirements for Americans returning to the US by land border crossing. There are testing requirements for Americans returning to the US via air. The COVID-19 situation is continuously evolving therefore this may change. We will update the industry if there are any changes.

9. What are all the steps our US guests will need to take prior to entering Canada?

• Must have received the full series of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of approved vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Johnson & Johnson)
  • Must have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada
• Upload information into the ArriveCAN app (this app is free and secure)
  • All information must be inputted into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours prior to arrival in Canada.
  • The app will ask you to input contact information for you and the people you are travelling with, purpose of trip, date of arrival, port of entry, proof of vaccination, and your quarantine plan.
  • For the quarantine plan, input the location where you will be staying while in Canada (i.e. the lodge).
• Must have a negative COVID-19 molecular* test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (view accepted tests). Antigen tests are not accepted.
• Must be asymptomatic upon arrival
• Upon arrival, the border officer will ask you for your ArriveCAN receipt, proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 test results and other typical documentation.

You can view all the details that the Canadian Government expects from fully-vaccinated travellers here. This page will be updated as we approach August 9th. You can also share with your guests the backgrounder which also highlights all the pre-entry requirements for fully vaccinated Americans that will come in effect on August 9th.

10. What types of COVID-19 pre-arrival tests will be accepted by CBSA?
These tests are considered acceptable molecular tests – antigen tests are not accepted*:

• PCR – Polymerase chain reaction
• RT-PCR – reverse transcription real time PCR
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
• Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
• Isothermal amplification
• Droplet digital PCR or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
• Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
• RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
• Ct (cycle threshold)
• CRISPR
• Sequencing
• Next generational sequencing (NGS) or whole genome sequencing (WGS)
• Oxford Nanopore sequencing (LamPORE)
• Detection of the N gene
• Detection of Orf1a/b
• Detection of the S gene
• Detection of the E gene
• Detection of the RdRp gene

These tests use methods such as a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, nose swab, or saliva sample. At this time, proof of having a vaccine will not replace a negative test result. Here are links that NOTO members have shared with us that may help your guests find a testing site:

• https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing?ban=covid_vanity_testing
• https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing
• https://www.lssu.edu/health-care-center/services/covidtesting/
• Please make sure to advise your guests that antigen tests are not accepted.

11. If someone had COVID-19 and have recovered, would that count as proof of immunity/vaccination?
No. All individuals must be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination in order to enter Canada. Entry to Canada will continue to be prohibited for U.S. travellers who are not fully vaccinated and for all other foreign nationals, unless they already meet an exemption set out in the Orders made under the Quarantine Act.

12. Why is the ArriveCAN app telling my guests they are ineligible?
The changes in the ArriveCAN app to account for the new fully-vaccinated American exemption will only be updated a few days prior to August 9th. Travellers should only be entering their information into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours of their arrival.

13. If my guests are told that they need to quarantine for 14 days and don’t meet the exemption criteria, can they still go fishing?
No. Your guests will be required to stay at their quarantine location for the full 14 days, or choose to return to the US. Public Health official may do spontanous drop-ins or call them at any time to confirm they are at their quarantine location. If they are not in their cabins during any of these check-ins, they will face serious fines.

14. Will Americans be able to return home? They are confused by the USA’s announcement on the border closure extension.
Yes. Similarly to Canadians returning home, all Americans citizens will be able to return to the US, regardless of the border closure.

15. Some of my guests don’t have smartphones. Are there any other ways for them to enter their information into ArriveCAN?
As long as they have access to a computer, they will be able to enter all their information into the ArriveCAN app online using the following website: https://arrivecan.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/privacy. Please make sure to tell your guests to print a copy of the receipt/confirmation code that they will receive at the end and to bring it with them when they cross the border.

16. What happens if we don’t have a physical address for our lodge/outpost? What should our guests put in the ArriveCAN app?
We recommend you tell your guests to put in the address you use for your business and your phone number. This should satisfy the quarantine plan requirements when your clients plug in their information in the ArriveCAN app. One thing to keep in mind is that the quarantine plan only really comes into play if the individual is told that they do not meet all the requirements for the fully-vaccinated quarantine exemption, or in the event they test positive while in Canada, and at that point they have the choice to return home.
Please tell your guests to only fill in the app closer to their arrival date as the app hasn’t been updated to account for the fully-vaccinated American exemption yet. All information must be plugged into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours of arrival into Canada.

17. Will my guests need to take an arrival test at the border?
They may be randomly selected to take a COVID-19 test.

18. How will the CBSA strike impact Northern Ontario border crossings?
An agreement was reach late Friday August 6th so there will be no strike action and therefore NO impacts.

19. What happens if a guest is in line to cross the border and they surpass the 72hr mark for their test? Will they be allowed in?
We have requested a response on this with CBSA officials but have yet to receive a response.

20. Where can I find the border wait times?
You can find the border wait times on CBSA’s website by clicking here.

21. Have you received any additional information on the random testing?
Individuals may be selected for random testing at the border. If selected, they will be given a test which needs to be taken on Day 1 while on camera with a Public Health official. Please make sure that your guests follow all the instructions given to them with the test. You will then need to request a pick-up from a Purolator location. Switch Health can assist for those requiring 3rd party courier services. No Day 8 tests will be given to fully-vaccinated travelers.

Children under the age of 12 will still be subject to Day 1 and Day 8 testing. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children between the ages of 12 and 18 will be subject to Day 1 and Day 8 testing, and will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Q. Will proof of vaccination requirements apply to my staff?
No. As it currently stands, proof of vaccination requirements will apply to customers only. Businesses are encouraged to urge their staff to get vaccinated or screen employees in advance of each shift to ensure they are not experiencing symptoms and provide them with protective PPE while working.

Q. How do I prove I am fully vaccinated if I am from out-of-province or out-of-country?
Individuals visiting from outside the province or the country will be required to show their full vaccination status and identification to enter prescribed settings. Ontario will develop and provide additional tools to improve user experience, efficiency, and business supports in the coming weeks, including ensuring verification of fully vaccinated individuals from outside of province or country.

Q. Does a previous COVID-19 infection or negative COVID-19 test allow you to enter these settings?
No, a previous infection is not a substitute for being fully vaccinated.

Q. Why isn’t the province increasing capacity limits for the settings where proof of vaccination is required?
The province is keeping all public health measures, including capacity limits, as they are due to the Delta variant in hopes to avoid future lockdowns and protect hospital capacity. The Government will continue to evaluate when it may be safe to consider expanding capacity limits in settings that are captured by the new vaccine certificate policy.

Q. How will this impact guiding services?
Proof of vaccination will not be required in outdoor settings.

Q. How will this impact my dining services?
Individuals will require proof of vaccination for any indoor dining. For those without proof of vaccination, you may need to return to “delivery or takeout” type services. We are still waiting for the official regulations to be released to see how these changes will impact our sector. NOTO will let the industry know as soon as we receive clarification.

Q. How can I get my proof of vaccination?
Currently, vaccine receipts are available in PDF form to be downloaded or printed to your computer, phone or tablet. Ontarians who received their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine out of province should contact their local public health unit to record their information and receive proper documentation. You may have already received your vaccination receipt by email after you received your second dose if vaccine.

Both proof of identity along with proof of vaccination will be required. Individuals can provide proof of immunization by downloading or printing their vaccine receipt from the provincial booking portal, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.

Q. What if an individual does not want to disclose their vaccination status?
It is the discretion of the individual to determine whether they would like to disclose their vaccination status. Should they make the decision not to divulge this information, they will not be permitted to access settings that require proof of vaccination.

Q. Will people with medical exemptions be allowed to access settings requiring proof of vaccination?
The only exemptions permitted to enter these settings are for unvaccinated people with medical exemptions and people under 12 years old. Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted with a doctor’s note until the medical exemption can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate.

Q. Will individuals aged 11 and under be allowed to access settings requiring proof of vaccination?
Individuals aged 11 and under will be eligible to access these settings. If they are accompanied by an adult, the adult must be vaccinated.

Q. How will businesses verify digital vaccination certificates?
Ontario will develop and implement an enhanced vaccine certificate with unique QR code and accompanying verification app that will allow users to securely and safely verify their vaccination status when scanned. The enhanced vaccine certificate, as well as a verification app to allow businesses to read the QR code, will be available beginning October 22. Guidance will be provided to business ahead of September 22 to ensure they are prepared.

Q. How long will a vaccine credential be in place?
Vaccine credentials are a temporary measure to address health and safety in the COVID-19 pandemic. How long they are necessary will be monitored and evaluated based on data and the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Q. Where is the full list of businesses that will be required to enforce COVID-19 vaccine certificate policies? 
To be updated*: Unfortunately, the Government has yet to release the full intensive list of businesses that will be required to enforce the vaccine passport policy. We will likely see the full list when they release the official regulations for this announcement. It may be a couple of days before we receive those but we will keep a close eye on it and keep the industry posted as soon as they become available.

Q. What do we do if someone does not have access to a smartphone or computer? 
The Government is working on developing a process for individuals without access to smartphone or computer. Their local public health unit may be able to help them aquire a paper copy of their vaccine certificate. We hope to learn more about this process in the coming weeks.

To view FAQ’s compiled by the Ontario Government, please click here.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has put together a FAQ sheet (NEED UPDATED LINKS)of their own featuring questions they’ve received from small businesses across the country.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada have also put together a FAQ sheet surrounding questions on business insurance.