Anyone over the age of 12 will need to be fully vaccinated to enter an arena or indoor sports facility in London, Middlesex, Perth, Oxford, Elgin, St. Thomas and Huron by Halloween.
The Health Units in Huron Perth, Middlesex-London and Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas announced strict new vaccination protocols for recreational facilities.
Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination will now be required for anyone over the age of 12 to enter an indoor area of a sports or recreational facility. This includes players, coaches, officials or to just watch an organized sport. This requirement will come into effect on October 31.
Previously, it was only adults 18 and older who had to provide proof of vaccination. Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health Dr. Joyce Lock says this decision will make playing sports safer for everyone.
"The goal of this instruction is to reduce the risk of serious illness transmitted between players, coaches, and their families cheering them on from the stands. Organized sports are community events – we need to balance protecting our community, while finding ways to safely enjoy the activities we are passionate about."
The Health Units made this decision based on the physical nature of the sports being played in these buildings that create the opportunity for COVID-19 to spread more easily. These factors include close contact, forceful exhalation and increased respiratory rate, prolonged exposure, crowded indoor spaces and the removal of masks/face coverings during physical activity.
It was also made in part because everyone 12 years of age and older is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
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