Meghani Issues new Instructions for indoor sports & recreation facilities

By: Laura Steiner

Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani has issued new instructions to indoor sports recreational fitness facilities.  The order comes as the province prepares to move out of the COVID-19 framework.

The new orders ask businesses and organizations to implement policies that would ensure compliance with COVID-19 vaccinations no later than November 26, 2021 for those over the age of 12.  The rules will apply to anyone participating, coaching, training, instructing, or officiating sporting events.

The requirements are being introduced in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 outbreaks.  The region still expects compliance with masking, physical distancing, as well as other orders applicable to to the indoor sports, and recreational facilities.

Ontario residents are expected to show proof of vaccination when entering a recreation or indoor sports facility, as well as restaurant.  An enhanced certificate is now available to download, and will be used starting Friday October 22.  Paper certificates will remain valid afterward in cooperation with valid identification.

Ontario recorded an increase of 328 cases of COVID-19.  225 are either unvaccinated, or have an unknown vaccination status.  Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday that his government is finalizing plans to exit stage three.