Masks, vaccines: What you need to know about Georgina's fall recreation, drop-in programs

Which facilities are open, how to show proof of vaccine and where to preregister

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 30, 2021
Amanda Persico

The town is excited to be offering fall recreation programs once again. Here's what you need to know about masks, preregistering, proof of vaccine and COVID-19 safety protocols.

What’s open and when?
Georgina recently opened the Georgina Leisure Pool and Georgina Gym for registered drop-in aquatic and recreation programs.

Swimming lessons and other recreation programs start Oct. 12

Registration for recreation programs is now open.

The Georgina Ice Palace is also open, along with all three branches of the Georgina Public Library.

Other community halls and Georgina Pioneer Village remain closed at this time.

Do I have to register for drop-in classes?
Yes.

In order to maintain strict capacity limits, all drop-in programs including: walking groups, aquatic and fitness classes, and pay-as-you-play, baby and me and youth drop-in programs require preregistration.

You can register online at georgina.ca/recreation or by phone, 905-476-4301.

Public swimming and skating will be introduced later in the fall.

What COVID-19 safety measures are in place?
Doors open 15 minutes prior to the program start time.

Anyone entering a town facility is required to wear a mask while in the facility; this includes participants, parents, spectators and town staff. Masks may be required during programming when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Masks are not to be worn in the water.

Each participant 15 years or younger is permitted to have one parent or caregiver accompany them into the building;

Each person entering a town facility is expected to have first done self-screening at home. Anyone experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms is to stay home;

Following the program, all equipment will sanitized;

For recreation programs, washroom facilities are open, but change rooms, lockers and showers are not available.

Do I need to show proof of vaccination?
Yes.

To enter a town facility you will need:

Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 vaccination certificate or other government-issued vaccination record; and

Government-issued ID with name and birthdate, such as driver’s license, health card, birth certificate or citizenship card.

Who needs to show proof of vaccination at town facilities?
Anyone 18-years and older;

Parents and spectators;

All youth 12- to 17-years-old not participating in an organized sport or recreation program.

Sports organizations may have more restrictive participation requirements.

Anyone who refuses to share required information will not be permitted to enter town recreation facilities.

Where can I get my vaccine certificate?
Fully vaccinated residents can print or download a vaccine certificate from the Ontario Ministry of Health online portal.

Either digital or printed vaccine certificates can be shown at the door.

The Georgina Public Library is offering free printing services for vaccine certificates.

Who is checking vaccine certificates?
Town staff will be present at entry points of each recreation facility to check ID and vaccine certificates.

Are town staff fully vaccinated?
The town has a mandatory staff vaccination policy, where all town staff are required to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1.

For more information, visit georgina.ca/COVID-19.