Hamilton-area businesses, hospitals and city facilities are dropping proof-of-vaccination today

Businesses, hospitals and city facilities in the Hamilton area are dropping their proof of vaccination policies Tuesday, as Ontario ends most of its major COVID-19 public health measures.

It is no longer required to show evidence of receiving two shots at most restaurants, gyms and movie theaters and nightclubs, while sports arenas and concert venues can also scrap capacity limits, along with other changes.

However, Premier Doug Ford has said masks will likely continue to be required for at least a few more weeks.

Hamilton's medical officer of health previously said she's "cautiously optimistic" about Ontario's plan to ease some COVID-19 restrictions.

But Dr. Elizabeth Richardson said individual employers should still consider how immunization fits in their health and safety approach for staff and patrons.

Here's a look at how the changes are affecting COVID-19 measures in Hamilton and the surrounding area.

Vaccine verification ends at city facilities

The City of Hamilton will no longer require visitors to its recreational facilities, museums and the Gage Park tropical greenhouse to show proof of vaccination.

Masks and face coverings are still required, says the city, and businesses are required to post signs near their entrances explaining how customers can screen themselves for symptoms.

St. Catharines is taking a similar approach, discontinuing its proof-of-vaccine requirement at city facilities, though maintaining masking, self-screening and physical distancing.

Burlington is doing the same, ending its requirement to show proof of vaccine, but continuing with mask-wearing, distancing and screening.

"Regardless of any changes, our staff will always work to providing the safest and highest quality programming we can offer," Chris Glenn, Burlington's director of recreation, community and culture, said in a media release.

"Please be patient with staff as we work through implementing any change and as we take cautious steps on the journey to fully reopening our facilities and programs."

HHS drops proof of vaccination for visits

Area hospitals are making changes, too.

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has announced, starting Tuesday, it will no longer require caregivers or visitors to show proof of vaccination when they come to hospitals.

That said, everyone who enters its hospitals is still required to screen for symptoms of COVID-19 and to wear PPE during their visit, including, "at a minimum," a mask.

The hospital system pointed to evidence that COVID-19 is less prevalent in the community, high rates of vaccination and zero outbreaks at its facilities as factors that informed its decision.

The Brant Community Healthcare System is also making the change and no longer requiring vaccine verification for essential care partners (ECP).

It notes other visitor guidelines will still be in place, including inpatients having only one person at their bedside at a time, and a maximum of two designated ECPs.

Businesses weighing options

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce said local businesses are reviewing their own approach to proof of vaccination.

"While most will opt out, many businesses are currently assessing, taking into consideration consumer confidence and what makes the most sense for their individual businesses and circumstances," wrote CEO Marie Nash in an email to CBC.

Some businesses have decided to continue requiring proof of vaccination.

The Brain Bar on James Street North posted on Instagram that, "after some very serious consideration" it decided to continue checking vaccine status for people sitting inside.

"This will only be a temporary requirement! Lasting a minimum of a couple weeks and likely gone by April," it read.

"We know this may upset and frustrate some people and we are sorry for that but after many discussions with staff, customers, family, we felt the reasons to keep it in place for a little while longer far outnumbered the reasons to cut it, for the time being."

Another bar in the city's east end, The Capitol Bar, made a similar announcement Tuesday. "Our staff's safety is obviously very important to us, as is yours. For this reason we will continue requiring proof of vaccination upon entry. The time will surely come when this will all be behind us, and these measures no longer needed, but until then we will continue to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for you," it said on Instagram. 

Niagara Region Public Health, meanwhile, "strongly recommends" organizations continue asking for proof of vaccination and that businesses maintain employee vaccination policies.

Health officials say while some people may feel the risk of COVID-19 are acceptable for them, others may be at greater risk, encouraging residents to make choices to protect those who are more vulnerable to the virus.

"The pandemic has not been defeated and we can expect more surges of infection in the coming months," said acting medical officer of health, Mustafa Hirji, in a media release.

"Maintaining common sense precautions like vaccination, masking, staying home if sick, and vaccination policies will keep us safe through future waves."