Here's What Quebec's Vaccine Passport Will Look Like & How It Will Work

Since Quebec announced it would be going ahead with a COVID-19 vaccine passport system, there has been some speculation as to what it will look like and how it will work.

Health Minister Christian Dubé explained some of these details at a press conference on August 10.

What will the vaccine passport look like?

Quebec's vaccine passport will be based on the QR codes that the government has already been emailing to Quebecers after each vaccine dose.

There will also be a QR code reader app available for both businesses and individuals.

The app will be available for free on the Apple App Store store, Google Play Store and on all types of smartphones, according to Dubé, who flashed viewers a first glance at what the app will look like during the press conference.

If people are not able to use their mobile phones as vaccine passports, Dubé said they'll be able to use their paper proof of vaccination instead.

When will it come into effect?

The government plans to make the vaccine passport available throughout Quebec as of September 1.

But first, it's testing out the concept with at least two pilot projects.

The first pilot project is set to take place at La Cage restaurant - Brasserie sportive de Lebourgneuf in Quebec City on August 11 and 12 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Another pilot project is set to take place at Éconofitness Vimont gym in Laval (2228, boulevard des Laurentides) on August 17 and 18 from 3 to 8 p.m.

If you're going to either of those establishments during the pilot project, you might want to bring some sort of proof of vaccination with you. If you haven't received your QR code yet, you can download it on Quebec.ca. However, the pilot projects are voluntary and no one will be denied access during these periods.*

Dubé said a few other bars might also run pilot projects, but it's still TBD.

Which activities and places will require a vaccine passport?

The goal of the vaccine passport, according to Dubé, is to "allow adequately vaccinated people access to high traffic public events and high contact rate activities that are places of great socialization for non-essential activities and services."

In other words, the government plans to implement vaccine passports at public events with many people, like festivals and indoor events with large capacities, and places with high contact rates, including bars, restaurants, and gyms. This could also include places where activities like team or contact sports take place.

Vaccine passports will not be required to access essential services or retail stores.

Dubé said the government is working on a plan to provide access to vaccinated people from out-of-province.

He said the government will update us on the week of August 23 to clarify when and how businesses will be able to get the app, as well as to provide the full list of "targeted places."

*This article has been updated.