Wednesday is vaccination certificate day in Oshawa, Pickering and elsewhere in Durham Region and Ontario

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Published September 20, 2021 at 3:02 pm

Today may be election day but Wednesday might be an even more important date on the calendar for many people, as that’s the day all Ontarians need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and municipal facilities.

Municipalities across Durham Region are reminding residents who are eligible to be fully vaccinated that they must show their vaccine receipt along with government issued ID to visit a recreation facility if they are:

  • 18 or older age and attending for any purpose. Certain exemptions apply, see Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policyfor more information
  • Those who are 12 years of age and older who are using fitness centres and indoor tracks, gymnasiums, tennis and squash courts, leisure swimming and skating, and drop-in sports
  • Those who are 12 years of age and older attending for the purpose of spectating at any activity
  • Those who are participating in most registered programs

The Oshawa website declares that proof of vaccination will not be required for those between the ages of 12 and 17 who are actively participating in indoor organized sports, dance classes, martial arts, or swimming lessons. Additionally, proof of vaccination will not be required for children who are 11 years of age and younger and are unable to be vaccinated.

Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to a medical exemption will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate.

There are other exemptions for those wanting to enter recreation facilities without a vaccination certificate, as cited on the City of Pickering’s website:

  • Individuals who are entering the building to access critical services (including a spa and physiotherapy)
  • Individuals accessing the indoor facilities to use a washroom; to make a retail purchase; while placing, paying or picking up an order; to purchase admission; or as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety
  • Individuals attending a wedding, funeral or religious rite or ceremony (note this excludes the social component associated with these services)

Clarington, Ajax and Whitby have similar reminders on their municipal web sites.

All Ontarians can print or download their vaccination receipts from the provincial booking portal. Those who do not have access to a computer or printer can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. For further questions about obtaining proof of vaccination, please visit the province’s New Requirements for Proof of Vaccination in Certain Settings: Frequently Asked Questions.

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