Quebec announces plan to drop vaccine passport by March 14

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-vaccine-passport-1.6352429 

Quebec announces plan to drop vaccine passport by March 14 | CBC News

 

[22.2.16 ] 

Quebec announces plan to drop vaccine passport by March 14 

The measure will be gradually phased out over coming weeks

Quebec will drop its vaccine passport requirement for all public spaces by March 14, the government announced Tuesday. 

Health Minister Christian Dubé explained the decision at a news conference, saying the COVID-19 situation in the province has improved enough to gradually ease the measure.

As of Wednesday, Quebecers will no longer need to show a vaccine passport to enter liquor and cannabis stores as well as larger retail outlets. 

As of Feb. 21, the passport will no longer be required in places of worship or at funerals. 

By March 14, the passport will be phased out entirely, including for restaurants, gyms, cinemas and long-term care homes. Dubé said the change will coincide with the arrival of the first COVID-specific antiviral treatments in the province.

Proof of vaccination will still be required for domestic rail and air travel, as mandated by the federal government. Masks will also still be required in all public indoor spaces in the province.

The health minister did not rule out reviving the passport if the situation in the province takes a turn for the worse. 

When asked if the government's decision was affected by recent protests against vaccine mandates, Dubé said it was not the case.

"We're doing it because it's the right time to do it. Because it's safe for public health," he said. "And as I said, it's there when we need it." 

Dubé had previously said there were no plans to lift mask mandates or the vaccine passport before March 14.

------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- 

drop : to stop doing or planning something, especially an activity 

phase out : to discontinue or withdraw gradually 

ease : to make or become less severe, difficult, unpleasant, or painful 

cannabis : the hemp plant, whose leaves and flowers are used to make marihuana 

funeral : a ( usually religious ) ceremony for burying or burning the body of a dead person 

coincide : to happen at or near the same time 

rule sth out : to prevent something from happening 

revive : to come back to life, health, existence, or use, or bring something back to such a state