Canada’s Quebec province will introduce a vaccine passport system to counter an ongoing fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, the state premier said on Thursday.

Premier Francois Legault said vaccinated people will need the document to access non-essential services such as gyms and restaurants.

The measure will “allow people who made the effort to be vaccinated to return to a normal life,” he added.

Warning that infections are expected to climb in Quebec over coming weeks, the premier said the system will help authorities avoid widespread lockdowns in the province.

AA