Ontario has taken another step toward normalcy.
As of Tuesday, the province has lifted the proof of vaccination requirement for all settings including restaurants, bars, gyms, and theatres. This means businesses will no longer be required to ask patrons to show a QR code verifying their vaccination status before allowing entry.
Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination though, the provincial government said.
Proof of vaccination requirements were introduced to help protect against COVID-19 in September 2021. At the time, Premier Doug Ford reassured it would be a temporary measure.
All remaining capacity limits for indoor public settings are also being dropped as of Tuesday.
The elimination of these restrictions is the closest the province has come to a pre-pandemic normal since public safety measures began being introduced in March 2020.
Masking requirements remain in place with no specific timeline as to when the mandate will be lifted.
Premier Doug Ford suggested on Monday the province could lift the face covering mandate after March break, but stopped short of setting a firm date.
He told reporters he is waiting for recommendations from Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.
Moore previously stated that he will review the mask mandate in mid-March.
