Answers to questions big and small about Quebec's new vaccine passport

The Quebec government has putin place a vaccine passport system to ensure many non-essential activities are limited to those who are fully vaccinated.

The passport an electronic record of vaccination in the form of a quick response (QR) code went into effect Sept. 1.

Here's a primer on how it works.

How do I download it?

The vaccine passport system applies to anyone aged 13 and over. It is implemented through an app, called VaxiCode, which isavailable for download on iOS and Androiddevices.A digital copy or printed-out version of the QR code is alsovalid.

How does it work?

The app displays your scannable QR code once you have uploaded it. The code contains your name, date of birth and vaccination status and is sent by email by the province, or can be downloaded from this government web page. It is also possible to include the QR codes of family members in the same app.

What about businesses?

A separate app is available for the businesses and event organizers who need to scan your QR code. That app is called VaxiCode Verif. When scanned, the app shows your name in green if you are adequately vaccinated, and in red if you are not. Thatinformation isn't retained by VaxiCode Verif and disappears from the app in a matter of seconds, a government official said. Customers will need to show identification to cross-reference with the QR code.

Where is it required?

The vaccine passport is requiredto take part in a wide range of activities and events determined to be at ahigh risk of transmission of the coronavirus. Those includefestivals, gyms, sports venues and training facilities. Restaurants and barsrequire a passport, even to sit on terrasses, but not for takeout. Other places requiring passports include casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, amusement parks, fairs, marathons, escape roomsand zoos.A full list is available on the province's website.

What about visitors to Quebec?

People who residein another province or country including studentscan show a printed proof of vaccination, combined with identification that proves where they live, to have access to the same non-essential activities and businesses in Quebec.They cannot use the app. The province said it is working with the federal government and other provinces to make the app compatible with those in other jurisdictions.

What about schools?

Passports are not required to access public schools. However, a passport is neededto prove older students have been vaccinated if they wish to participate in extracurricular activities considered high risk. Teachers, students and chaperones do not need to present their passport during a school trip.

What about sports?

Vaccine passports arerequired for team sports or physical activities outdoors involving frequent or prolonged contact, with the exception of professional and school settings. People who reside at the same address or those just practising in an unorganized setting don't need a passport, but all sports and physical activities indoors require one. The province provides a list of all sports where a passport is required on its website.

WATCH | We tested out Quebec's vaccine passport:

How does Quebec's vaccination passport really work? We tested it out

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Verity Stevenson headed out in Montreal on the first day of the new measures and has a practical guide to how it all works.

Where is it not required?

Beyond basic services like grocery stores and pharmacies, there are several places where vaccine passports are not required, includingprivate gatherings, weddings, funerals, places of worship, spas, driving lessons and lodging.

How will the passport be enforced?

There will be some leniency in the first two weeks, but penalties will be applied starting Sept. 15. People can use only their own QR codes. Anyone who commits fraud in connection with the vaccine passport could face hefty fines, ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. Altering a government document or using falsified identification is punishable under the Criminal Code.

What about business owners who refuse to comply?

There will be inspectors checking non-essential businesses for compliance just as there has been with masks and other health measures. Customers can also report businesses that are not checking QR codes. Non-compliance could result in a business being shut down.

What if the app doesn't work?

The province has set up a help line for anyone requiring assistance: 1-877-644-4545. There is also more information available on the Quebec government website.

Is it safe?

The province said it isconsidering tweaksin order to make the passport system safer, following reports the vaccination information of prominent politicianshadbeen hacked.

Government officials, however, have stressed no location data is accessible from the QR code and that the scanned information isn't retained by VaxiCode Verif. You don't need to be online to use the app. The app was developed by Akinox, a Quebec-based company. CEO Alexander Dahl said Akinox has been working closely with government experts in cybersecurity, privacy and protection of personal information.

What about people who can't get vaccinated for medical reasons?

Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec's director of public health, said it is extremely rare that somebody can't get vaccinated for medical reasons, especially given the type of vaccines being offered. In that rare case, their doctors can fill out a document and the person will be issued a QR code to access non-essential services.

Will it be useful outside Quebec?

The app was developed in compliance with international standards of something called the SMART Health Card. The province said it is working with the federal government and other provinces to ensure the app is applicable in other jurisdictions.

What other places require a vaccine passport?

British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba have all announced similar measures. In the United States, New York and California also require proof of vaccination for some events. France and Germany also have vaccine passports.

Why does the government say it is needed?

The intention of the passport, the government says, is to avoid the widespread closures that marked earlier waves of COVID-19 in Quebec and allow people, as much as possible, to return to regular activities. The government is also hoping the passport serves as motivation to get vaccinated for those who haven't.