Reminder: vaccine requirements for community centres
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Proof
of COVID-19 vaccination for youth aged 12 to 17 will be enforced starting
Monday, Nov. 1
The City of Vaughan continues to work with all levels of government
to respond to COVID-19 and as the requirements to show proof of vaccination and
proof of identification evolve.
Following a month-long
campaign focused on communication and education, in accordance with York
Region’s Letter of Instruction, youth aged 12 to 17
years old must provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated
against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption before entering a community
centre effective Monday, Nov. 1.
This directive applies
to anyone actively participating in organized sports (including dance, martial
arts, swimming and skating), ; coaching, officiating at organized sports or
volunteering; or spectating at organized sports. In addition, all individuals
visiting a recreational facility must comply with all other requirements under
the Reopening Ontario Act and its regulations
that apply to the facility.
Individuals with a
medical exemption are required to present identification and appropriate
written documentation from a medical doctor or registered nurse stating the
individual is exempt for a medical reason and the time period for the medical
reason.
Here are answers to
some of the most commonly asked questions on this topic:
What will happen if an
unvaccinated youth (aged 12 to 17) arrives for an organized sport on Nov. 1 or
after?
Following a month-long
campaign focused on communication and education related to York Region’s Letter
of Instruction, enforcement of proof of vaccination requirements for youth aged
12 to 17 will begin effective Monday, Nov. 1. Those who do not comply will not
be able to enter the facility.
What proof of ID are youth aged 12 to 17
supposed to provide if they do not have a photo ID?
Photo identification is not required.
Youth aged 12 to 17 can provide documentation issued by an institution or
public body, such as a student ID, a library card or health card, provided it
includes their name and date of birth.
Whom should
I contact to voice my concerns about the proof of vaccination requirements?
Should you have questions or comments about the
regulation set by the Ontario government, speak with your Member of Provincial
Parliament (MPP). If you do not know who your MPP is, contact Elections Ontario to confirm your representative. Inquiries about York Region’s instructions should be
directed to York Region Public Health at yr.corporate.communications@york.ca.
How will parents who are not vaccinated
attend to their children coming for City-operated programs?
Parents
or guardians who do not meet the vaccination requirements for entering a community
centre – as set out by the Province of Ontario and York Region – will not be
able to enter. If you are unable to enter the facility due to vaccination
status, City staff will meet your child at the entrance and walk them to their City-run
program room. Be prepared to provide identification when picking up your child
at the same location as drop-off.
How will parents who are not vaccinated
attend to their children coming for non-City-operated programs?
Parents or guardians
who do not meet the vaccination requirements for entering a community centre –
as set out by the Province of Ontario and York Region – will not be able to
enter. If you are unable to enter the facility due to vaccination status and your
child is participating in a non-City operated program – such as a minor sports
league – you should contact the body operating the
program your child participates in for next steps.
What is the refund policy for City-operated
recreation programs and swim lessons?
If your child is unable
to meet the vaccination requirement, a full refund, without penalty, will be
honoured prior to Nov. 1, 2021. To withdraw your child from their existing
program and request a refund or credit to your account, email RecCSD@vaughan.ca. Full refunds will be
processed back onto the original form of payment (i.e., credit card) within
three to four business days. Nov. 1 onwards, post-dated refunds will still be
honoured for those who are unable to meet he vaccination requirement. We
anticipate email and phone wait times may be longer than usual; your patience
is appreciated. To make the process easier, include the following information
in your email request for a refund:
- main email address on your online registration account
- name of the program participant being withdrawn
- name of the program
Do I have to wear a
mask if I’m fully vaccinated?
Yes. Masks are mandatory
when entering, exiting and travelling throughout the facility, and while
watching and/or waiting for participants in programs. Masks must be worn while
participating in programs, except during physical activity.
Is proof of vaccination
required to visit Vaughan Public Libraries?
No.
The Province’s
regulation and guidance on proof of vaccination does not apply to
libraries. Customers can browse Vaughan Public Libraries’ physical collection,
access on-site study and reading spaces and use public computers. Visitors are
reminded to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines, including physically
distancing at least six feet (two metres) from others, wearing a mask or face
covering, and thoroughly washing and sanitizing hands. Note: Maple Library
remains closed due to renovations.
What does it mean to be
fully vaccinated?
An individual is considered fully vaccinated if
they have received:
- two doses using Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca (including CoviShield) in any combination (the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada).
- one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada.
- three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada.
Find out what vaccines
are authorized by Health Canada. Individuals must receive their final dose of
the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before providing the proof of being
fully vaccinated.
Why
is the York Region Letter of Instruction different from the provincial
exemption?
Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act,
health units have the ability to issue letter of instruction, like the one
issued by York Region, based on the local situation, data and epidemiology.
York Region reviewed local data and data across the province to assess the risk
associated with after-school sports, along with modelling data which currently
estimates 44 potential hospitalizations of those under the age of 19 between
now and the end of 2021. This requirement will help keep participants and their
families safe, minimize outbreaks and help ensure the long-term sustainability
of these programs.
Why is the enforcement date so soon?
Many indoor sports activities and leagues are starting
now or have already started. Recent cases and outbreaks in basketball camps,
dance events and other indoor sports have demonstrated a need for this as
sports return to indoor settings over the fall and winter months. It’s
important to act quickly to stem further spread of COVID-19.
Those who feel unwell
and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region
Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's
website at york.ca/COVID19.
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