'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
BREAKING Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants
Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
Residents of northern Alberta First Nation told to shelter in place
Residents of John D'Or Prairie, a community on the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta, were told to take shelter Thursday morning during a police operation.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
First in Canada procedure performed at London, Ont. hospital
A London man has become the first person in Canada to receive a robotic assisted surgery on his spine. Dave Myeh suffered from debilitating, chronic back pain that led to sciatica in his right now and extreme pain in his lower back.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.