The province is warning residents and business owners of a potential scam where unvaccinated people are being encouraged to register for a “Vaccine Control Group” as part of an alleged independent worldwide study.
According to the vaccine control group website based in the United Kingdom, they are offering photo ID for a fee as well as self exemption forms once you register for the “study”. The official-looking ID card states the person must not be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 because they are part of the vaccine control group.
According to health officials in the UK, the data collected by the so-called study would not be useable in an official trial.
The group’s mission statement says they are “working together as a cooperative, to staunchly defend our inalienable rights to freedom of choice and bodily integrity.”
Although many people have taken to social media to promote the study, claims made that the ID card will be accepted as proof of exemption are false.
Manitoba points out that although a number of people in the province have attempted to use the ID they are not valid exemption cards and should not be accepted as proof of exemption. The only acceptable form of exemption is the Manitoba COVID-19 exemption card which looks exactly like the one given to Manitobans who are fully vaccinated.
Those who are unvaccinated in Manitoba face a $1296 fine when in violation of public health orders. Valid provincial or federal proof of vaccination or exemption is required along with photo ID for a number of activities like dining in at restaurants, participating in and attending sporting events and travel.
© News4.ca 2021
