SIOUX LOOKOUT – Ontario’s proof of vaccination requirements take effect on Wednesday, Sept. 22, and the Municipality of Sioux Lookout is preparing for the new guidelines.
“We understand that there is a lot of confusion surrounding the rules,” explained Municipal CAO, Michelle Larose. “The department facing the greatest impact is Recreation and Culture. The Province has issued very specific guidance affecting usage of the Recreation Centre and Arena. Everyone needs to be aware of the rules for visiting prior to arrival, because they do vary for different ages and activities.”
According to guidance received from the Province of Ontario, proof of vaccination is NOT required for youth (under 18 years of age) who are actively participating in an organized sport. This includes training, practices, games, and competitions. Examples of these include sports leagues, organized pick-up sports, dance classes, and martial arts.
Unless a visitor qualifies for an exemption, and can provide proof of exemption, all other uses of the Recreation Centre and Arena for all ages requires proof of vaccination. This includes youth using a gym or other area with exercise equipment or weights, youth spectating at sporting events, and adults (18 years of age or older) accessing the facilities for any purpose. This includes parents or guardians of youth taking part in organized sports.
It is also important to note that keeping records of personal health information, such as vaccination status, is prohibited. This means that while contact tracing information will continue to be recorded, information regarding anyone’s vaccination status will NOT be recorded by Municipal staff.
Larose adds, “If you do not have the copies of your vaccination receipts from the day you received your shots, be sure to download or print them through Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination portal at covid19.ontario.ca or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line. The number for the booking line is 1-833- 943-3900. Be sure to have your Ontario Health Card on hand when you call."
Visitors to Ontario will still be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and identification to enter our Recreation Centre or Arena. This identification may include birth certificates, citizenship cards, driver’s licenses, Government issued ID cards including health cards, Status cards, passports, and Permanent Resident cards.
The Province is working on enhanced digital vaccine certificates, which should be available beginning Oct. 22. These will be accepted in printed or digital form.
For more information on patron requirements in indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities, please see Appendix A, attached or visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/.
