Just a reminder that provincial Proof of Vaccination goes into effect today Wednesday September 22th.
Proof of Vaccination - Security will be at the arena door for Proof of Vaccination before you can enter the facility
COVID Screening - City staff will be inside the facility where everyone will need to show their completed online City of Stratford facility entrance screening or complete a paper COVID screening form inside the facility
Here is the link to complete the online screening before you enter the facility. COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire - Stratford
Once your online form has been submitted you will receive an email that you can show the city staff that you have completed the COVID screening
City of Stratford Proof of Vaccination – Community Services Indoor Facilities
Effective on September 22, 2021, to enter the City of Stratford Community Services facilities, including the Rotary Complex, Burnside Agriplex, William Allman Arena, and Dufferin Arena, with limited exemptions:
- The patron must provide proof of being fully vaccinated and proof of identification at the point of entry.
- Screening and entry staff must review and confirm the proof.
- Other public health and workplace safety measures will still apply, including masking and active COVID-19 screening.
Patrons include players, participants, coaching staff, team staff, parent/guardian supervisors, spectators, volunteers, and officials.
Exemptions:
In settings where proof of vaccination is required, patrons do not need to prove they are fully vaccinated in the following circumstances:
Individuals under a certain age:
- Children under the age of 12.
- Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational facilities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, in accordance with Ministry of Health guidance.
Note: Spectators that are above the age of 12 are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status and proof of identification to be permitted entry.
Patrons with a written document by a physician or a nurse practitioner, stating that they are exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time period:
- Must present identification and a written document.
Examples of identification documents to confirm the proof of identity include:
- Birth Certificate
- Citizenship Card
- Driver’s Licence
- Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including Health Card
- Indian Status Card / Indigenous Membership Card
- Passport
- Permanent Resident Card
OWHA Update
The Government of Ontario has provided, in a September 14 news release, detailed information
regarding the upcoming Proof of Vaccination requirements and exemptions. These come into
effect on September 22, 2021.
The news release, the Regulation and the Guidance are found at these links:
Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy | Ontario Newsroom
O. Reg. 645/21: RULES FOR AREAS AT STEP 3 AND AT THE ROADMAP EXIT STEP
(ontario.ca)
Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario
Act (gov.on.ca)
OWHA recommends that every association and team carefully read all of the information at the
links above for details regarding Proof of Vaccination requirements and exemptions. (This
document is not legal advice.)
Please note that there is a limited youth sport exemption.
The rules of the limited youth sport exemption include but are not limited to the following
(please carefully read all the information links above for more detail):
- Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for
sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in
an organized sport, in accordance with the Guidance (third link).
- The exemption relating to youth under 18 years of age actively participating in indoor
organized sport applies to training, practices, games and competitions.
- Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and proof of identification (or proof of
being entitled to another exemption) is required for patrons 18 years and older, including
parents or guardians of youth actively participating in an organized sport.
- Proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated is not required for workers or
volunteers, including coaches and officials.
Please also note that rules regarding Proof of Vaccination requirements and exemptions may
vary by public health unit / region / municipality / location / specific facility and that these rules
may change. Communication with individual facilities is crucial.
OWHA strongly encourages every eligible person to get vaccinated and help stop the spread of
COVID-19. We also strongly urge all adults who are taking any position of responsibility such as
coaches, managers, trainers, team staff, officials, volunteers and others to get fully vaccinated
prior to participation in hockey.
The OWHA does point out that PHUs, municipalities, arenas and facilities have the authority to
be more restrictive and that some are being more restrictive than the requirements noted in
information linked above. This may mean that OWHA players and teams may be able to practice
or play in 1 facility but may not be permitted to enter other facilities without complying with
different local or facility requirements. The best way to ensure access into a facility is to be fully
vaccinated and carry proof and identification with you.
The OWHA continues to work within the mandates of the provincial government and is prepared
to implement measures that are deemed appropriate by it to protect the health and safety of its
citizens and our participants and stakeholders.
Questions? Email [email protected]