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
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dead at 30
Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
Man throws flaming liquid on New York City subway, burns fellow rider
A man set a cup of liquid on fire and tossed it at fellow subway rider in New York City, setting the victim's shirt ablaze and injuring him.
At least 9 dead in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after severe weather roars across region
Powerful storms killed at least nine people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where drivers took shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
As Canada warms, infectious disease risks spread north
Cases of Lyme disease have now increased more than 1,000 per cent in a decade as the warming climate pushes the boundaries of a range of pathogens and risk factors northward.
12 people injured after Qatar Airways plane hits turbulence on way to Dublin
Twelve people were injured when a Qatar Airways plane flying from Doha to Dublin on Sunday hit turbulence, airport authorities said.