Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reminding local businesses to follow proof of vaccination screening requirements after several complaints were recently filed.
The province's proof of vaccination mandate came into effect in late September. Under the mandate, non-essential businesses -- such as restaurants, bars, and gyms -- must request proof of full vaccination from patrons along with proper ID or a valid medical exemption.
“We understand people are tired of these public health measures, but in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and avoid future lockdowns in our community, it is imperative we all continue to do our part and stay vigilant,” said LPH Manager of Health Promotion and acting Chief Nursing Officer Michael Gorgey.
Over the last month, Gorgey said the health unit has received several complaints about businesses not checking proof of vaccination upon entry. Now with capacity limits lifted at most businesses that require proof of vaccination, Gorgey said it's imperative operators follow the mandate.
"We don't want to have outbreaks and opportunities for the virus to spread, especially going into the winter months," he said. "We really don't want to see a fifth wave of this."
Gorgey said the health unit has offered education tools to operators in order to help them understand and follow new regulations. In most cases, businesses comply. However, he said there have been instances of multiple complaints being lodged against specific businesses on an ongoing basis.
When complaints are filed against specific businesses, the health unit has two enforcement officers who will speak with the establishment's operator.
"Their primary role is to do that education on a one-to-one basis so they might do a phone call, they might do a site visit to get a sense of what's happening there," said Gorgey. "If we have repeated complaints, we will then forward that information to either City of Sarnia bylaw [enforcement], Sarnia police, or the OPP for the greater county area."
Manager of Building and Bylaw Services for the City of Sarnia Adam McDonald said 46 complaints have been filed since the certificate system came into effect.
"Officers have attended all businesses in question, to date no charges have been laid," said McDonald in an emailed statement.
Gorgey said to his knowledge, so far no fines have been laid against businesses in regards to the proof of vaccine system.
Last month, the province rolled out its enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code to make it easier for businesses to scan.
Gorgey said business owners have an obligation to follow provincial regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA).
Failure to comply under the ROA, could result in charges and a set fine of $750 for individuals and $1,000 for corporations. Maximum penalties could result in fines of up to $100,000 and a year in jail for individuals, up to $500,000 and a year in jail for an individual who's a director or officer of a corporation, and a fine of up to $10 million for a corporation.
Provided public health indicators remain stable, regulations are expected to gradually lift by the end of March 2022.