Facility Covid Protocols Update!

Dec. 01, 2021

It includes the following major updates reflective of the new guidelines set by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/COVID-19:

**NEW**

All businesses and organizations in the County of Simcoe, District of Muskoka and the Cities of Barrie and Orillia must also adhere to the SMDHU medical officer of health's letter of instruction (amended November 23, 2021), which sets out specific measures to control the spread of COVID-19 inside workplaces and public places. https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/docs/default-source/COVID-/Reopen_Operate_Businesses/COVID19_Guidance_for_facilities-for-sports-and-rec-fitness-activities_final.pdf?sfvrsn=6

The Ontario government requires patrons 12 years of age and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination (i.e., proof of identity with an original identification document (copies are not acceptable) and vaccine receipt or enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code) to access certain businesses and organizations, including facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities. This requirement also applies to spectators watching indoor sport and recreation activities. More information about the provincial and SMDHU proof of vaccination requirements (including additional exemptions) can be found in O. Reg. 364/20, in the province's guidance for businesses and organizations and question and answer resource, on SMDHU's website, and in the proof of vaccination section below.

NEW: As of December 8, 2021, owners, operators and persons responsible for any indoor areas of facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities must implement and enforce a policy that requires each participant, 12 years and older, who attends an indoor area of the facility for the purpose of attending or being involved, in any capacity, in indoor organized sports and/or indoor recreational fitness activities to provide, at the point of entry:
identification and proof of having received at least one dose of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine for any entry on or afterDecember 8, 2021, and
identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for any entry on or after February 16, 2022, or o a valid exemption as set out in section 2.1(6) of Schedule 1, each time they enter.
This includes spectators watching indoor sports and recreational activities.
NEW: Effective January 1, 2022, children will have a grace period of 12 weeks from their 12th birthday during which they must provide identification at the point of entry, but do not need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is to allow a reasonable opportunity for vaccination to be completed, and to accommodate the current recommended 8-week interval between dose 1 and 2.
Patrons who are required to provide proof of vaccination (12 years of age and older) and are unable to provide proof of vaccination or valid proof of a medical exemption must be refused entry to the facility
Photocopies of ID and digital versions (stored in phone) are generally not acceptable, but allowed for youth (aged 12-17).