THUNDER BAY – As of Wednesday, the government of Ontario has mandated that some non-essential businesses must require customers to provide proof of vaccinations in order to enter their establishments.
Medical officer of health Dr. Janet DeMille says the implementation of the vaccination passport mandate could be challenging until the provincial government launches a digital system including a smartphone app and scannable QR codes, which it has promised by Oct. 22
“I think the current [system for] how we have to show that certification is a bit more complicated than it needs to be," she said. "In October, when the app and the full QR codes are available, I think it’ll be a lot easier."
“I think we’re going to see some of those implementation issues. There’s already questions we’re getting and maybe some uncertainties in terms of how to interpret situations.”
Some local business owners and managers are having mixed feelings about the mandate, like Joe Brizard, general manager of Superior Shores Gaming Association.
“I guess I got mixed reactions," he said. "I think it’s good for the customers so they know that everyone in the facility is vaccinated, so it gives them a little bit of a sense of security."
“However, it’s hard on the staff because they’ve taken on so much responsibility since reopening our bingo sections, with not having our volunteers in the building. They’ve taken on the responsibility of everything, so they’re a little bit overworked and we’re understaffed right now so, we’re trying to do our best through this whole procedure.”
Some businesses reported pushback from customers on the mandate. Jenn Bisignano, owner of PUSH Fitness Centre, has seen a little loss of business already.
“I have had some trouble," she said. "I think the announcement got made on a Thursday or Friday, and two days later I had the first person come in that was quite vehemently against the policy. Despite the government recommending that it not get taken out on the front line staff, you know, it’s quite hard not to when the person in front of you is the one causing you the grief."
“I haven't had as many people personally take it out on me, however I have had far more people than I expected either put their memberships on hold or flat out cancel their memberships. I had a couple of long-time members just yesterday come in and cancel their membership and just say they decided to build a home gym.”
Despite customer reactions, some businesses managers fully support the mandate from the government, like Syed Kabir, general manager of the Italian Cultural Centre
“I think we’re still in the early stage, but, I think I’ve gotten mixed feelings from the customers, because some people don’t like it, and some say we should have done it a lot earlier, just to stop it," he said.
“I personally think for businesses, we should have had it done a lot earlier. This is a really good initiative from the government, and it will save us and the customers, for all of us. It’s not only for the customers, it’s for the businesses, it’s for all the employees.”
