No extension needed for proof of COVID-19 vaccination at sports centres in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon

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Published November 2, 2021 at 1:05 pm

The Region of Peel is standing by its decision not to grant an extension on COVID-19 vaccination requirements for sports facilities while neighbouring Halton has given some children a three-month grace period to get immunized.

As of Monday, anyone over the age of 12 needs to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical exemption to enter any hockey arenas, fitness centres and other municipal facilities in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

The new requirements are in line with most other GTA regions and municipalities, including Toronto, York and Durham.

But Halton Region announced on Tuesday that it will be giving a 12 week month grace period to children turning 12, with Halton’s top medical officer saying exemptions should be given for three months after a child’s 12th birthday to allow for COVID-19 vaccination.

While Halton is giving an extended grace period to children turning 12, Peel’s (MOH) Dr. Lawrence Loh said again on Tuesday that there will be no exemptions or grace period in Peel.

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.

That means 11-year-olds in Peel, Halton and across Ontario have had more than five months to get immunized.

Halton Region’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements for sport facilities come in effect much later than Peel’s on 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.

The Region of Peel says staff at recreation and culture facilities in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon have begin collecting proof of vaccination for all visitors in accordance with the direction from PHP.

A Peel Region spokesperson said non-compliance with the requirements will be met with a warning first, but could result in a fine up to $880.00 under the Re-Opening Ontario Act.

Politicians and sport leagues in both Brampton and Mississauga have said they are not anticipating disruptions due to the vaccination requirements.

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