Image courtesy: Derek Brade

By Darren Rathwell with files from Canadian Press

However, MH Police calls for more patience

New COVID-19 measure welcomed in Medicine Hat

Nov 15, 2021 | 5:38 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Change to Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program is being welcomed by some Medicine Hat businesses.

As of Monday, Albertans must show a QR code when attending operations like restaurants, gyms, arenas or movie theatres.

“I think it’s good for the safety of the patrons so there will be less chances of people trying to forge a document,” Sourav Saha told CHAT News.

Saha owns the Rosewood Bistro, a restaurant on North Railway Street, and says his business didn’t see any issues with the new measure today.

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And Darin McKay of Local Public Eatery said over the course of their midday rush hour they didn’t see any concerns either.

“An app tells us with a green checkmark that they’re good to go, so a little bit easier from the staff perspective, especially when you’re getting crowds of people at the front door. Trying to get them in quickly (the app) makes it a lot easier,” McKay said.

The app, downloaded on phones, is used to scan customers’ QR codes.

Without the code, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours or valid proof of a medical exemption.

Meanwhile, Medicine Hat Police Service is asking for “continuing” understanding and patience when it comes to COVID-19 measures.

“I’ve heard of an increase in some situations where owners of businesses have been dealing with people who are less patient than they have been in the past,” Acting Insp. Ryan Thorburn said.

Albertans who violate public health orders can be fined $2,000.

Vaccine records with the QR code can be downloaded through the provincial website or you get them from a registry agent free of charge.

The records can be printed or displayed on your phone.