People will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative rapid test result to enter Ontario's legislature next month.

House Speaker Ted Arnott announced the policy in a Thursday memo to legislators and others who work at the legislative building.

He says the protocol will take effect at 6 a.m. on Oct. 4, the same date members are set to return to the provincial parliament.

Arnott says more details about the policy are to come.

He says the rules will ensure a healthy and safe environment.

The Opposition NDP had called for a similar policy last week but asked that testing not be offered as an alternative to vaccination.