Halton’s top doctor makes changes to vaccine protocol for indoor sports in Milton, Oakville, Burlington
Published November 2, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Halton’s top medical official has provided a grace period for 12-year-olds to get vaccinated before they are barred from entering indoor sports and recreational facilities.
The rest of the October 19 order from Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, stays the same.
As of Nov. 26, a proof-of-vaccination mandate will go into effect for everyone aged 12 and over in all regional sports and recreation facilities.
The exception will be for kids who recently turned 12. Meghani now says exemptions should be given for three months after a child’s 12th birthday in order to give them ample time to receive both COVID-19 vaccination shots.
In her updated directions, Meghani reminded residents that, while Provincial regulations have recently changed to remove capacity limits and requirements for physical distancing in facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, other important public health requirements remain in place.
These include requiring proof of vaccination, screening, masking, contact tracing, cleaning/disinfection and safety plans to describe the measures and procedures implemented to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
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Meghani also strongly encourages facilities (including facility operators and permit holders) to continue to implement physical distancing for all children 11 years and younger, who are not eligible for vaccination at this time, participating in organized sports and recreational fitness activities, or activities of any kind in which masking may be inconsistent.
To read Meghani’s amended instructions for businesses/organizations with indoor facilities, or for additional public health information and guidance, visit the region’s website.
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