The Quebec College of Physicians is urging the province to “step up the pace” of COVID-19 measures that limit the public’s exposure to unvaccinated individuals.

“The vaccinated population can no longer suffer in silence from the constraints of sanitary measures while unvaccinated people occupy one in two beds in short-term and the majority of beds in intensive care,” wrote college president Dr. Mauril Gaudreault on Friday.

Gaudreault’s federal counterpart, Jean-Yves Duclos, went even further, saying a potential compulsory vaccination is “the only way out” of the health crisis but noting the decision lies in the hands of the provinces.

Gaudreault said he backs Quebec’s future requirement for third doses in order to hold a vaccine passport, stating in Friday’s letter that the measure should take effect faster “and cover a vast set of shops and public places.”

Earlier this week, the provincial government announced its plans on making three doses a requirement to qualify for a vaccine passport and be considered adequately vaccinated.

That new measure, however, won’t come into effect right away to give people the time to get their booster shot.

READ MORE: Omicron FAQ: Everything you need to know about the COVID-19 variant

The Quebec government also announced that proof of vaccination will be necessary to make purchases at Quebec’s liquor (SAQ) and cannabis (SQDC) retailers starting Jan. 18.

Health officials said the provincial government also plans to add non-essential services, “such as personal care,” to the list of businesses requiring the vaccine passport.

A date for when the new rule will come into effect has yet to be determined as discussions are ongoing with service industry providers.

–with files from Annabelle Olivier, Global News

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