The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has issued a Letter of Instruction requiring all owners, operators, and persons responsible for indoor facilities that host organized sports in the EOHU territory to confirm proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all coaches, officials and volunteers aged 12 and over associated with indoor organized sports.

The requirement takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 4^th, 2021, and will remain in place until further notice. In addition to the proof of vaccination, persons responsible for indoor facilities must continue to comply with all other public health measures related to screening, physical distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and maintaining a log with contact information of every member of the public who enters the facility.

This Letter of Instruction does not affect the exception that players between the ages of 12 to 17 do not need to show a proof of vaccination if they are entering a sports facility for the sole purpose of practicing their sport.

“As the fourth wave of the pandemic causes cases in our region to increase, I am taking these measures to keep children and youth in our communities safe,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU. “Given that children under 12 can’t get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the moment, the best way to protect them is to ensure that the adults around them are.”

Recognizing that organized sports may take children outside the health unit’s area, the EOHU has been consulting with neighbouring health units and several are planning on implementing a similar Letter of Instruction.

For more information on COVID-19, including guidance for community partners and businesses, vaccination information, the latest local updates, and more, visit www.EOHU.ca/coronavirus.