COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination

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COVID 19 Vaccination Image

The Municipality of Southwest Middlesex (SWM) continues to work with all levels of government and the Middlesex London Health Unit to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, businesses and staff.  The Province of Ontario released guidance on proof of vaccination, and SWM will adhere to its direction on vaccine requirements for those who access SWM facilities effective Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 - Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy | Ontario Newsroom

Individuals aged 12 and older, including parents/guardians spectating, will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering a Southwest Middlesex facility, unless the individual qualifies for an exemption.

Masks are mandatory when entering, exiting and travelling throughout the facility, and while watching and/or waiting for participants in programs. Masks must be worn while participating in programs, except during physical activity.

Check-in process upon arrival:

  • There will be one designated entrance for check-in (please refer to directional signage on-site). Staff will greet you/your child at the entrance. You will be required to provide proof of identification and vaccination to staff.
  • If you are unable to enter the facility due to vaccination status, staff will meet your child at the entrance and have them wait until a member responsible for the recreation programming can take them to their group, and then return them to you after the recreation programming is completed. 
  • Active screening and contact tracing are also required.

It is recommended you arrive approximately 15 minutes before your program starts to allow for check-in time. Please note, access to your program area will not be granted until the program start time, unless space permits.

Exemptions:

Proof of vaccination is not required for the following:

  • Children under the age of 12
  • Youth under the age of 18 who are actively participating in an organized sport, including training, practices, games and competitions, including:
    • sports leagues
    • organized pick-up sports
    • skating

Individuals with a medical exemption are required to present identification and appropriate written documentation from a medical doctor or registered nurse stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason and the time period for the medical reason.

SWM continues to adhere to Provincial direction. Details are available in the Ontario Regulation 645/21 “Reopening Ontario Act, 2020” available for download or print.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain my proof of vaccine?

In advance of September 22, you can print or download their vaccination receipt which includes all the relevant information they need to prove that they are fully vaccinated. The receipts can be printed or downloaded from the Provincial government website. Those who need support obtaining a copy of their vaccination receipt, including those who do not have access to a computer, internet or printer, can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 for support.

Ontarians who received their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine out of province should contact their local public health unit to record their information and receive proper documentation.

Who is exempt from showing proof of vaccine?

The following individuals are exempt from showing proof of vaccination at municipal community centres, arenas and other facilities:

  • Children under 12 years of age
  • Youth (12 to 17 years of age) who are going into a recreational facility only if they are entering for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport.
  • Patrons entering an indoor area solely for the following purposes:
    • to use a washroom;
    • to access an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route;
    • to make a retail purchase;
    • while placing or picking up an order;
    • while paying for an order;
    • to purchase admission; or
    • as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety.
  • Patrons who provide written document completed and supplied by a physician or registered nurse stating that the individual is exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time-period for the medical reason.

I have one dose of the vaccine, does this mean I am fully vaccinated?

To be considered fully vaccinated, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated with two doses, plus 14 days from the time of the second dose. 

Can I show my proof of vaccination receipt on my phone or do I need to print out the receipt?

Yes, the digital proof of vaccination receipt will be acceptable, as long as the name and date of birth on the supporting piece of ID matches that on the receipt. 

You can print or download their vaccination receipt which includes all the relevant information they need to prove that they are fully vaccinated. The receipts can be printed or downloaded from the Provincial government website

Is there a proof of vaccine app I can download?

The Government of Ontario is in the process of developing an enhanced vaccine certificate with a unique QR code to make it safer, more secure and convenient to show proof of vaccination, when required to do so. The enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app will be available by October 22. Ontario’s proof of vaccination guidance will be updated to reflect the new processes.

What if I don’t want to disclose my vaccination status?​​​​

It is the discretion of the individual to determine whether they would like to disclose their vaccination status. Should they make the decision not to divulge this information, they will not be permitted to access settings that require proof of vaccination.

What if I have a red or white health card or do not have health card?

If a person has a red and white health card, they can call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900. The call centre agent can email you a copy of your receipt. If they don’t have an OHIP number at all, they should contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit, and they can help you obtain the receipt.

What if I don’t have a phone or a computer?

Those who need support obtaining a copy of their vaccination receipt, including those who do not have access to a computer, internet or printer, can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 for support.

What if I received my COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario or Canada?

Individuals who have received a partial or complete COVID-19 vaccine series outside of Ontario or Canada should contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit to have their COVID-19 immunization record documented in COVaxON for their vaccination receipts.

For more information, please refer to the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 Guidance for Individuals Vaccinated outside of Ontario/Canada PDF.

If I have a concern about an individual who is not complying with proof of vaccination Provincial regulations, who can I contact?

Those with concerns about individuals or businesses who are not following the proof of vaccination related provincial orders can contact call the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or submit a report at opp.ca/reporting.​​​​​

What other COVID-19 precautions will be in place at SWM programs?

All Middlesex-London Health Unit guidelines and Provincial regulations, including mask requirements, adhering to capacity limits and physical distancing, will apply at all times when accessing SWM programs, services and facilities.

Residents are reminded to continue following physical distancing and face covering public health measures, and adhere to the general provincial gathering limits under Step 3.

Do I need to show proof of vaccine if I am watching my child's recreation program and not participating myself?

Yes, spectators at community centres and arenas and indoor facilities will be required to show proof of vaccination.​​​​​​

Other than select indoor SWM recreation facilities, where else do I need to show proof of vaccine?

As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes:

  • Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
  • Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
  • Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
  • Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport;
  • Sporting events;
  • Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
  • Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
  • Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
  • Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).

For more information on this Ontario requirement, please visit: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000779/ontario-to-require-proof-of-vaccination-in-select-settings 

Frequently Asked Questions for businesses 

Where can I find the Province of Ontario's proof of vaccine regulations?

The full regulations are available here: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21645

If a patron refuses to show proof of vaccine, what do I do?

Business owners with concerns about individuals who are not following the proof of vaccination related provincial orders can contact call the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or submit a report at opp.ca/reporting or if applicable, the Ministry of Labour Health & Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008.

For more information on Ontario's requirement for proof of vaccination in select settings, please the Province of Ontario's website