Reminder: vaccine requirements to enter Vaughan community centres

 

The City of Vaughan continues to work with all levels of government to respond to COVID-19 as the requirements to show proof of vaccination and proof of identification evolve. 

Following the Province of Ontario’s announcement on Friday, Dec. 10, the City continues to follow York Region’s Letter of Instruction that requires youth aged 12 to 17 years old to provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or a valid medical exemption, before entering a community centre. 

Additionally, effective Jan. 4, 2022, the Province of Ontario will begin requiring the use of the enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code in settings where proof of vaccination is required. Citizens are encouraged to download the enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code, which they can present upon arrival on a mobile device or a printed paper copy. 

Also, starting Jan. 1, 2022, children turning 12 years of age in 2022 will have a grace period of 12 weeks from their birthday in which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at indoor sports and recreation facilities. This will allow those who are turning 12 years old to have enough time to get vaccinated. 

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 vaccine requirements will be mandated for children turning 12 years old in 2022?
Effective Jan. 1, 2022, children turning 12 years of age in 2022 will have a grace period of 12 weeks from their birthday, during which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at indoor sports and recreation facilities. This will allow children enough time to get vaccinated. For example, if a child’s birthday falls on April 6, the child will have until July 6 to show proof of vaccination. 

What will happen if an unvaccinated youth (aged 12 to 17) arrives for an organized sport?
Those who do not comply with the vaccination policy 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, please speak with your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). If you do not know who your MPP is, you may 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 your 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 your 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?
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. From Nov. 1 onwards, post-dated refunds will still be honoured for those who are unable to meet he vaccination requirement. The City of Vaughan anticipates 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 all City facilities, 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 a 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. 

For more, visit the City’s COVID-19 webpage at vaughan.ca/COVID19.

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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