Effective September 22nd, the Province of Ontario is requiring all individuals entering municipal recreation facilities to show proof of full vaccination. The Provincial Regulation provides for an exemption for athletes under the age of 18 who were not fully vaccinated.
Based on the logistics of screening youth spectators versus youth athletes, on Monday Windsor City Council unanimously approved a policy, in good faith, to help streamline entry processing for City of Windsor Recreation Facilities.
However, we appreciate that short notice was provided to parents, coaches and teams in implementing this policy and I am now proposing to amend Monday’s motion to allow for a transition period.
Effective September 22nd, athletes under the age of 18 who have received at least one dose will be permitted, and effective November 1st full vaccination will be required.
Subject to Council approval, this minor change will help ensure that kids will continue to be able participate in the short term and help us encourage local vaccination rates in the long term. We will remain compliant with the Ontario Government regulation that does not permit unvaccinated spectators, above the age of 12, from entering recreation facilities.
According to today’s WECHU data, more than 70% of youth aged 12-17 have already received one dose, but less than 60% have been fully vaccinated. Getting two doses remain the best way to protect against COVID-19 transmission, illness and further disruption to our local school system.
-Mayor Drew Dilkens