Legislative Compliance

Vaccine passports: What you need to know and how to navigate challenges

December 9, 2021

As vaccination rates increase and restrictions are eased, businesses can now welcome back more customers. It’s an exciting time as people return to the events and spaces they have missed. Vaccine passports are one of the key mandates that have helped accelerate this return. For businesses that now need to check vaccine passports, it’s understandable that there may be concerns or uncertainty around how to enforce this new system.

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about vaccine passports and how you can safely and effectively implement them.

The case for vaccine passports

Proof of vaccination, also known as a vaccine passport, is now required before entering many places. This includes event spaces, indoor spaces, fitness facilities, gambling establishments, theatres, music venues, and anywhere that serves food or drink. In many of these places, people need to remove their mask to eat, drink, or exercise. Because people are gathering without masks and with less social distancing, both employees and guests have a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

Vaccine passports are one of the new requirements introduced to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect both employees and guests. It’s likely that vaccine passports will be part of our day-to-day lives, at least for the near future.

New challenges for frontline workers

Frontline workers have skillfully adapted to changing public health measures throughout the pandemic. With the introduction of vaccine passports, many frontline workers now have the responsibility to check proof of vaccination.

In most regions, by-law enforcement officers are ensuring businesses comply with the vaccine passport rules. Patrons and businesses can face significant fines for non-compliance.

As rules and regulations continue to change, some people are becoming more and more frustrated. Unfortunately, this is being taken out on frontline workers. There have been increased incidents of harassment, abuse, and even assault.

Protecting your employees

All Canadian employers are obligated by law to keep their workplace safe for everyone working there. Many businesses put health and safety measures in place early on to protect their employees against COVID-19. It is equally essential that actions are taken to protect employees from harassment.

So how can you keep your employees safe and your business operations running smoothly?

We have put together steps you can take right now to help your business effectively implement vaccine passports while protecting your employees.

Download our FREE Guide to Navigating Vaccine Passports!

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