(Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

UPDATE

UPDATE: Changes to Restrictions Exemption Program clarified by AHS

Nov 9, 2021 | 3:49 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – UPDATE: AHS has clarified the upcoming changes to the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP).

In September, the province introduced the REP, which allowed participating businesses to require patrons to provide proof that they have been immunized against COVID-19 in order to avoid occupancy limits and other public health restrictions.

This was followed by the creation of a scannable QR code in October that Albertans can get on their smart devices or in paper form.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced the following change during Tuesday’s press conference.

“Beginning Monday, November 15, Alberta’s vaccine record must include the QR code in order to enter any business or venue taking part in the program. This means Alberta vaccination records without a QR code, including paper immunization records received at your vaccination appointment, will no longer be accepted.”

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Following the original publication of this article, we reached out to Alberta Health to see what other means people could utilize to enter facilities using the REP.

A communications official clarified to us that, starting November 15, Alberta’s vaccine record with a QR code “will be the only provincially-issued record” accepted.

However, people can still enter businesses using the REP with the following methods:

• Alberta vaccine record with a QR code
• Canadian Armed Forces vaccine record
• First Nations immunization record
• Vaccine records issued by other provinces and territories
• ArriveCan app for international travellers and valid international travel identity document
• Negative privately paid COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours
• Valid proof of medical exemption

People aged 18 or older will need to provide a government-issued ID along with one of the aforementioned documents.

You can get your QR code online here. Those who do not have a smart device or choose not to create their digital code can get a paper copy from a local registry agent’s office or by calling 811. There is no cost for either method.