On June 8, the province announced the start of a new strategy to incentivize Manitobans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The provincial government will start issuing immunization cards to fully vaccinated individuals—and the cards will come with freedoms and benefits not yet available to the population at large.
Individuals will become eligible for the cards two weeks after their second shot. A digital card will be made available automatically, although physical cards can be ordered to arrive later by mail.
The digital and physical cards will contain no personal health information or data. They will show only the cardholder’s first and last names, along with a QR code that, when scanned, shows proof of vaccination.
The first such benefit of full vaccination will be an exemption from the current requirement to self-isolate for two weeks upon returning to Manitoba from travel outside the province.
“Many Manitobans have rolled up their sleeves over these past few months and done their part in protecting our province, and I want to commend them for doing so,” says Premier Brian Pallister. “Manitobans have told us that getting back to the things they love and miss is one of the biggest incentives to getting vaccinated. As a government, we are doing everything we can to bolster vaccine availability and accessibility, and equipping Manitobans with the information and support they need to make the right decision to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.”
Another immediate benefit of the cards will be the ability to visit healthcare facilities such as hospitals and personal care homes.
Fully vaccinated individuals are already exempt from self-isolation if they are at any point identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case.
Additional benefits of vaccination are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
“We are all eager to be able to travel, visit family and friends, and enjoy the many freedoms we have taken for granted and missed these many months,” adds Pallister. “Getting vaccinated and following public health orders to protect each other and our healthcare system is the fastest way to save our summer and get back to doing some of the things we love and see the people we miss.”