'Smooth so far': Ottawa businesses, customers adjust to new COVID-19 vaccine passport
On the first weekend since the implementation of vaccine passports in Ontario, businesses and patrons CTV News Ottawa spoke with, for the most part, are happy with the rollout.
It is the new reality across the province -- proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is now required to enter most non-essential businesses.
"They just asked for our vaccine cards and I have it on my phone and just showed it to the lady," said Maya Yemm, who was visiting a restaurant Saturday for the first time since the new rules came into effect.
At Zak's Diner in the ByWard Market, staff remained optimistic Saturday during the first weekend under the new rules.
"It's gone really smooth so far, we've found that a lot people are ready and eager, they have their passports ready at the door. There's the occasional bad apple that's just against it for whatever reason," said Roger McKee, General Manager of Zak's Diner.
At Zak's proof of vaccination and government-issued identification is checked at the door along with information for contact tracing.
"It slows down the door a tiny bit, but it's nothing noticeable. It's not like we're seeing an empty table and a full lineup outside," said McKee.
"I downloaded, with the grass roots app on my phone, the vaccination, so I pulled it up, showed them that and my ID and we were done in about 20 seconds," said Jennifer Mabley who was dining indoors with her family.
For many, the new rules also bring a new sense of security and safety.
"I really don't care what it takes for us to be able to get out and dine and enjoy ourselves," said Georgie Williamson, who was eating at Zak's.
Also starting Saturday, capacity restrictions have been eased for larger venues like sporting events and concerts. Indoors 50 per cent capacity is now allowed, up to 10,000 people, and outdoors 75 per cent capacity with a limit of 30,000 people seated.
"We have to be careful. It's only September, we've got a long fall and winter ahead of us. I think a plan like this is okay with the caveat that if it isn't working out and we see cases rise we pivot quickly," said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases specialist.
Meanwhile, many businesses continue to push to help improve vaccination coverage.
CTV News Ottawa has learned pharmacy chain Rexall is one of the latest employers to make vaccines mandatory for most of its workers.
In the capital, 82 per cent of the eligible population has been fully immunized, but experts have said 90 per cent coverage is needed to minimize the impacts of a fourth wave this fall and winter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.