Ontario to remove vaccine passport system on March 1, masking requirements to remain in place

The Ontario government is removing the province's proof of vaccination system as of March 1, while also speeding up the second phase of its COVID-19 reopening plan to Thursday — a move that was set to happen later under the province's timeline.

In a news release, the province said despite removing the vaccine passport system, businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. 

It noted masking requirements will remain in place at this time, with a specific timeline to lift this measure to be communicated at a later date.

All capacity limits in restaurants, bars, cinemas and gyms will be lifted as of Thursday, a move that was set to take effect on Feb. 21.

Premier Doug Ford announced the news Monday morning.

"Like all of you I've waited a long time for this news, but please never doubt that the steps we took together, as difficult as they were, were absolutely necessary and saved tens of thousands of lives," Ford said.

Ford said with hospitalizations continuing on a downward trend, the province will not need to require three doses of vaccine in any sort of passport system.

"I think we're going in the right direction, and I'm confident if we keep going down this path, there won't be a reason for it," he said.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said proof of vaccination has "served its purpose."

"We have the level of protection we need to remove public health restrictions," Moore said at the news conference.

Starting Feb. 17, capacity limits will be removed at a host of indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required, including:

As well, social gathering limits will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Organized public events will be capped at 50 people indoors, with no limit outdoors.

Capacity limits at sports arenas, concert venues and theatres meanwhile will be capped at 50 per cent.

In a news briefing Friday where Ford declared a state of emergency in response to convoy protests against public health measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, he said that the province is "on track to very soon remove almost all restrictions for businesses as a part of our reopening plan."