The provincial government of Alberta recently announced that it would already enact the Restrictions Exemption Program that went into effect on September 20, which allows businesses providing non-essential services and goods in the region to operate as usual without any restrictions, akin to pre-pandemic times. These restrictions relate to not allowing indoor group classes and activities, prohibiting indoor dining at restaurants and bars, and limiting capacity at various venues.
However, the announcement also pointed out that businesses can only avail of the program if they only serve patrons who can present proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19. In place of proof of vaccination, the guidelines will also accept a recent negative test for the virus.
The said announcement explained that only customers who can prove that they have already received their second dose of the COVID-19 shot at least 14 days before entering a business or event would be eligible for admittance. Remarkably, for those who still haven’t had their jabs, they will be required to present either a valid proof of medical exemption or a privately paid, negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours to be allowed.
Additionally, Alberta’s provincial government stressed that by November 15, residents of the region must present a Quick Response or QR code to show their vaccination record when entering or participating in establishments and events participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program.
This QR code requirement does away with the manual checking of vaccination records and photo IDs at the door. Covered businesses will only use the AB COVID Records Verifier app to scan the QR codes to facilitate and expedite the admittance process. Alberta residents who are looking to get the complete list of businesses participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program can browse the same on the Government of Alberta’s website.
