Back to SearchKingston – Today, Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health issued a Letter of Instruction pursuant to Section 2 (2.1) of Schedule 1 of Ontario Regulation 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step to enforce required proof of vaccination of first dose COIVD-19 vaccine or a valid medical exemption for individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 years participating or associated with indoor organized sports and recreation activities, effective 12:01 a.m. on December 06, 2021. A full series COVID-19 vaccine is required for individuals aged 12 to 17 years participating or associated with indoor organized sports and recreation activities, effective 12:01 a.m. on February 25, 2022.
Organized sports are defined as sports and recreation activities including, but not limited to, sports leagues, organized pick-up sports, dance classes, gymnastics, martial arts, and swimming classes, or as otherwise described in the Ministry of Health’s proof of vaccination guidance for businesses and organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020.
“Indoor sports and recreation activities have the potential to increase COVID-19 transmission especially when participants remove their mask during activity,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza. “This letter of instruction adds another layer of protection to decrease any exposure to COVID-19 for individuals aged 12 to 17 years who are in close and prolonged contact with participants.”
Indoor sports and recreation activities may facilitate all five risk factors for COVID-19 transmission which include: close contact, closed spaces, crowded places, prolonged exposure, and forceful exhalation. The provincial proof of vaccination requirements have exempted certain participants of organized sports, including patrons who are under 18 years of age, and who are entering the premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities for the purpose of actively participating in organized sports. Given indoor sports and recreation activities are high-risk settings for COVID-19 transmission, proof of vaccination of a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine is required as of 12:01 a.m. on December 06, 2021 and a full series COVID-19 vaccine is required as of 12:01 a.m. on February 25, 2022 or a valid medical exemption, is required to protect them and decrease risk of COVID-19 exposures in our community.
The Letter of Instruction is effective as of 12:01 a.m. on December 06, 2021 and will remain in effect until such time as the Medical Officer of Health determines it is no longer required. Individuals who do not comply with this Letter of Instruction may be liable for a fine up to a maximum of $100,000.
To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, visit kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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