THUNDER BAY — As of Wednesday the City of Thunder Bay will require people entering municipal indoor recreation facilities to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or a medical exemption.
This is in accordance with a new Ontario government regulation that takes effect across the province the same day.
In an announcement Tuesday, the city noted that vaccinations must have been completed at least 14 days prior to entering a facility.
Vaccination receipts may be shown electronically or in hard copy, and must be presented with every visit.
Patrons must also provide government-issued identification that has the name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate, citizenship card, driver's licence, health card, status card, passport, or permanent residence card.
The city clarified that these requirements are separate from its own Vaccine Disclosure Policy which applies to all City of Thunder Bay employees, students and volunteers.
The following individuals are exempted from showing proof of vaccination under the provincial regulation:
- workers, contractors, delivery persons, students, volunteers, inspectors or others who are entering the premises for work purposes and not as patrons
- patrons entering an indoor area solely to – use a washroom, access an outdoor area that can only be reached 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 health and safety purposes
- those under 12 years of age
- those under 18 who are entering solely to actively participate in an organized sport
- those who provide a written document completed by a doctor or registered nurse that sets out a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated, and the length of time the reason is in effect
The city said patrons should allow extra time for the required screening and verification process when visiting indoor facilities.
