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
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering
George Mallory is renowned for being one of the first British mountaineers to attempt to scale the dizzying heights of Mount Everest during the 1920s. Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest.
Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality
A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.
Decoy bear used to catch man who illegally killed a grizzly, B.C. conservation officers say
A man has been handed a lengthy hunting ban and fined thousands of dollars for illegally killing a grizzly bear, B.C. conservation officers say.
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Loud boom in Hamilton caused by propane tank, police say
A loud explosion was heard across Hamilton on Friday after a propane tank was accidentally destroyed and detonated at a local scrap metal yard, police say.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York
An emergency slide fell off a Delta Air Lines jetliner shortly after takeoff Friday from New York, and pilots who felt a vibration in the plane circled back to land safely at JFK Airport.
OPP responds to apparent video of officer supporting anti-Trudeau government protestors
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it's investigating an interaction between a uniformed officer and anti-Trudeau government protestors after a video circulated on social media.