Vaughan welcomes you back!

Jan. 31, 2022 10:00 a.m.
​Come prepared when visiting City community centres, fitness centres, arenas and swimming pools

Today, the City of Vaughan welcomes residents back into its community centres, fitness centres, arenas, swimming pools and Community Libraries. This comes following the Province of Ontario’s recent announcement that it is cautiously and gradually easing COVID-19 public health measures, starting on Jan. 31.

Come prepared! A little pre-planning will make your community centre check-in even easier. Be ready to show proof of vaccination and proof of identification at the designated entrance. Please be patient and arrive early – at least 15 minutes in advance – to avoid being late for a recreational activity. City staff are doing their best to make this check-in as seamless as possible. Please note, proof of vaccination is not required at library branches.

PROOF OF VACCINATION

All patrons visiting a City community centre must present the Province of Ontario’s enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code. Download it by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/, or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have your vaccine certificate mailed.

The following proof of identification is acceptable for those aged 18 years and older (note: photo ID is not required) –

  • Birth certificate
  • Citizenship card
  • Driver’s licence
  • Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
  • Indian Status Card/Indigenous Membership Card
  • Passport
  • Permanent Resident card

All individuals aged 12 years and older who are entering an indoor municipal recreation facility, where organized sports are played and/or practiced, must provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption. In-person campers aged 12 years old must comply with this directive.

The following proof of identification is acceptable for those aged 12 to 17 years:
  • Documentation issued by an institution or public body provided it includes their name and date of birth
  • Examples include:
    • Health card
    • Library card
    • Student ID

Also, 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.

Individuals who are unable to be fully vaccinated because they have an active medical exemption will need to show their enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code, along with a piece of ID. A written medical exemption is no longer accepted to access businesses and organizations that require proof of vaccination. To obtain a medical exemption, individuals must:

  • ask an Ontario physician or registered nurse in the extended class to submit their exemption request directly to the public health unit where the issuer’s practice is located
  • once the exemption is accepted and entered into COVaxON by the public health unit, individuals will be able to access their enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code through the COVID-19 vaccination portal.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
To keep the community safe, York Region Public Health is asking residents to follow this advice:

  • Stay home as much as possible and limit close contact to those in your immediate household.
  • physical distancing with anyone outside of your household by staying two metres away from everyone else.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
  • Practise respiratory etiquette.
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Wear a face mask or covering when inside public places and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Clean high-touch surfaces often.
  • Download the COVID-Alert app.

VACCINATIONS
Every eligible individual is encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Many convenient options and locations are available within York Region to receive a vaccine by walking in or booking an appointment. Visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine for the latest information. 

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.

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

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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