THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has tightened its vaccination rules for youth playing organized sports, pointing to a resurgence in cases locally and the discovery of the Omicron variant.
The agency announced Thursday it will require players 12 and up to provide proof of vaccination before entering arenas and other indoor venues as of Jan. 31.
Many local sports leagues had also already announced requirements for players 12 and up to be vaccinated, including Hockey Northwestern Ontario and all local school boards, for co-curricular sports.
Thunder Bay’s medical officer of health, Dr. Janet DeMille, issued a revised letter of instruction under the Reopening Ontario Act to owners and operators of indoor sports venues on Thursday. The original letter applied the same rule to coaches, officials, and volunteers, but not athletes under 18.
“With increasing cases in our area, there is an increased risk of exposure and spread in sporting activities, which can lead to disruption in those activities,” DeMille said in a statement Thursday.
“As we progress through the winter months, especially with people spending more time indoors, the risk of virus spread will continue. In addition, the recent discovery of a new, highly transmissible variant of concern highlights the need for strengthened public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission.”
She said the measures targeted indoor sports because they bring a higher risk of transmission.
“Close contact, heavy breathing, long exposure times, crowded indoor spaces, and masks removed during physical activity, all contribute to increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. Requiring more groups to be protected with COVID-19 vaccinations will help reduce this risk while continuing to maintain opportunities for sport.”
The rules will apply until further notice, and will require players to present identification along with proof of vaccination or valid medical exemption. A photocopy will be accepted for those under 18, said a representative for the health unit.
The health unit urged parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated, noting walk-in COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available for those 12 and older at the CLE Coliseum clinic. More information about vaccines and how to book an appointment is available online.
