Calgary businesses adopt COVID-19 vaccination policies

CALGARY – Just days after the province announced it would be bringing in a vaccine passport system, Calgary businesses have opted into the program and adopted vaccine policies.

If you want to go to the zoo, you will need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours, or documentation of a medical exemption starting Monday.

Effective Monday, September 20th, the Calgary Zoo will require verification of COVID-19 vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of medical exemption. Find out more here: https://t.co/s8v96X22qj pic.twitter.com/VKiI7Dflo7

— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) September 17, 2021

Between Sept. 20 and Oct. 25, proof of a single dose will be accepted as long as the dose was given out two weeks prior to attendance.

This all includes day admissions, evening events, special events, weddings, barbecues, and corporate events.

Face masks are required for all visitors aged two and up.

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Similarly, anyone looking to catch a show at the Arts Commons downtown will also need to provide proof of vaccination starting Monday. Those with medical exemptions can provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last three days.

While the Arts Commons says this exemption only applies to vaccine-eligible people, anyone under 12 years old has to be accompanied by an adult who meets the vaccine or testing requirements.

“These policies are reflective of the current consensus of scientific experts regarding best practices to stop the spread of COVID-19. We have made such progress, but it’s clear that the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet over,” said the Arts Commons Resident Companies in a release.

“Thorough clinical trials have proven vaccines to be safe, effective and our best protection against infection. We’re comfortable asking our staff, volunteers, and artists to meet this vaccination policy as well as our audiences, because getting through this final stretch of the pandemic will be dependent on working and cooperating together, on both sides of the stage.”

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Masks are still required at any of the six galleries and five theatres included in the Arts Commons, as well as the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

The Arts Commons is home to Alberta Theatre Projects, Arts Commons Presents, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Downstage, One Yellow Rabbit, and Theatre Calgary.

The Calgary Stampede also adopted a vaccination policy.