Kids turning 12 next year get grace period on COVID-19 vaccination requirements at sports centres in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon

Mississauga | Brampton | Caledon | Ontario | COVID | Sports |

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Published November 12, 2021 at 12:26 pm

The Region of Peel is granting a grace period on proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements at indoor sport facilities for kids turning 12 next year.

Peel Public Health (PPH) made the announcement on Friday, a little more than one week after saying no such extension would be given at that time.

At the beginning of November, the Region began requiring anyone aged 12 and older to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical exemption to enter hockey arenas, fitness centres and other municipal facilities in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

But PPH says children who turn 12-years-old in 2022 will have a 12-week grace period starting from their birthdate where they will not need to show proof of vaccination to enter indoor sports facilities.

The grace period will allow children enough time to have a full course of vaccinations while continuing to participate in indoor activities, PPH said.

“We know how important recreation activities are for the physical and mental health of youth and want to ensure that they can continue to participate while they access the protection that vaccines provide,” said Peel’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Loh.

The amendment is being issued in step with public health units in both Toronto and York Region, PPH said. Halton Region made a similar annoucnemnt last week granting a 12 week month grace period to children turning 12.

The mayors of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon have all said facilities in those municipalities have not had any disruptions due to the vaccine requirements.

According to the province’s COVID-19 vaccine eligabiltiy requirments, children born in 2009 – including those who are currently 11-years-old – have been eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination since May.

Unlike Toronto, York and Peel which have required proof of vaccination at sports facilities since Nov. 1, Halton Region’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements won’t come into effect until Nov. 26.

At a Regional Council meeting last week, Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson asked for an extension of the Nov. 1 deadline in Peel, but Loh said the deadline was firm.

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