London Mayor Ed Holder has stated in no uncertain terms he is in support of vaccine passports.
Holder publicly announced his backing of the controversial passports during Monday's COVID-19 briefing.
"I am an absolute believer in vaccine passports. If it was up to me or if council had the power to mandate such legislation at the municipal level, I'd do it in a heartbeat," said Holder. "Unfortunately, municipalities do not have the constitutional status where vaccine passports are concerned. I am hopeful, however, that the province or federal governments will act swiftly and do what’s best, and frankly, what appears inevitable."
Holder noted the special passes help to boost overall vaccination rates and would prevent future lockdowns. As examples, he pointed to other countries and provinces that require proof of immunization to be able to travel without restrictions or visit certain businesses such as restaurants and cafes.
"I sure wish we would follow suit here in Ontario and in this country," said Holder.
The European Union and Manitoba are currently issuing vaccine cards to the fully vaccinated, Quebec is implementing a similar system, and British Columbia is leaving the door open for a proof-of-immunization program. Alberta has ruled out the idea while Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed worry the passports for non-essential activities could "split society."
More than 11,500 people reportedly booked their first dose appointment on the same day Quebec introduced its vaccine certificate system last week. That is more than double the number that had booked in the days prior to the announcement, according to provincial officials.
"This fourth wave is being driven entirely by those who are unvaccinated... it is apparent with vaccinations slowing to a crawl that something needs to be done to motivate the unvaccinated to get their shots," added Holder.
Middlesex-London Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie said the steadily increasing number of cases across the province indicates the start of the fourth wave.
"What does the rise mean for those who have not been vaccinated? It means there is a pandemic wave that is coming for you," said Mackie. "Unless you get vaccinated there is a good chance you'll get the COVID-19 virus sometime in the next year."
As of the end of July, 80.8 per cent of people 12 and older in Middlesex-London have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 67 per cent are fully vaccinated. Of the nearly 300 new cases reported over the past six weeks, 93.5 per cent were among people who were unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or who were not yet protected by the vaccine. It takes 14 days after the date the shot is administered to achieve immunity from the virus.
