Proof of vaccination QR code causing concerns for aging Sask. population
As the province prepares to roll out proof of vaccination, some are concerned that the aging portion of Saskatchewan’s population may not be able to easily adapt to the QR code that is planned on being used.
On Thursday, the province announced proof of vaccination or a negative test will be required at non-essential establishments such as restaurants, casinos, movie theatres and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events beginning Oct. 1.
Margaret Koshinski, who has lived in Saskatoon for more than 35 years, said she is behind the idea of a proof of vaccination system.
“We accept a driver’s licence, proof that we know how to drive. What’s the difference? Vaccines are more important to our health probably than a drivers licence,” Koshinski told CTV News.
“We can infect more people if we’re not vaccinated than you can kill with not having a valid drivers licence.”
Koshinski said although she supports the idea, she feels that using a phone and the QR code is something she won’t be able to do.
“I’m so old, I’m one of the few people who doesn’t have a cell phone and I’m not computer sophisticated, so I probably just want a piece of paper I can get and keep in my purse,” Koshinski told CTV.
“For people that have cell phones and that, it is probably a good thing. The government seems to forget about the small segment of the population that isn’t technologically sophisticated.”
According to the SHA website, you can request a print-out of your immunization record for a $20 fee.
Koshinski said as long as she can have a way to carry her proof of vaccination with her she will be happy, and she encourages those who have not yet had the jab to go and do so.
“I hope people go and get vaccinated because that is the best control that we have,” Koshinski said.
Linda Anderson, communications and ageism awareness staff person at the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism said those wanting to get out and about should be getting their proof of vaccination certificate.
“I’ve been following this closely. I think it’s very important that we have some sort of vaccine identification,” Anderson said.
“Naturally, older adults are wanting to be able to, those of us who are fully vaccinated, want to have our lives be as active as possible, so I think this will help.”
Anderson echoes the words of Koshinski, that there are some in the province who won’t be able to use something like a QR code on their phone.
“There’s always a problem if it’s only going to be something that you have to be computer savvy, have computer abilities, or using a phone, computer or tablet,” Anderson told CTV News.
“Many older adults are quite able to use the technical equipment and do this, however, not all of us are, and we have to think about that”
Anderson said everything should work out fine as long as the province provides another options for those who won’t or can’t use the QR code.
“It cant only be QR code on your phone, they must have another alternative,” Anderson said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING NEWS 'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Residents evacuated after threats made to residence in Fall River, N.S.
Nova Scotia RCMP are warning the public to avoid the area around Canterbury Lane in Fall River after a threat was made at a residence.
French security forces work to regain control of airport highway in violence-scorched New Caledonia
Using armoured vehicles and backhoes to shove aside charred barricades, French security forces worked Sunday to retake control of the highway to the international airport in violence-scorched New Caledonia, shuttered because of deadly unrest wracking the French Pacific archipelago where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
The secret Italian lakes that most tourists don't know about
Italy has dozens of secret smaller lakes that boast superb scenery, unknown to mass tourism, where locals get together on day trips and enjoy picnics.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Signs of Alzheimer’s were everywhere. Then his brain improved
Blood biomarkers of telltale signs of early Alzheimer’s disease in the brain of his patient, 55-year-old entrepreneur Simon Nicholls, had all but disappeared in a mere 14 months.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.