York Region extends deadline for 12-year-olds to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 15, 2021

Youths turning 12 years old in 2022 are eligible for a three-month grace period before requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccines to participate in indoor organized sports.

The Region of York released a statement Nov. 12 that said the grace period is an amendment to its Letter of Instruction that came into effect Oct. 1 requiring youths in the 12 to 17-year-old age group to provide proof of vaccination to participate at indoor facilities.

The amendment is effective Jan. 1, 2022 and provides a 12-week grace period from birth dates before proof of vaccination is required to enter indoor sports and recreation facilities.

Despite the order, several municipalities in York Region adopted their own policies and extended deadlines until Nov. 1 to deal with members of the public, including players, coaches and officials, at their facilities.

“Once an individual reaches 12 weeks after their birthday, they must provide proof of vaccination in accordance with the Letter of Instruction,” said the statement released by the region.

“Organized sport and physical activity are important to our physical, mental and social well-being. This change ensures indoor sports activity can continue for those turning 12-years-old while they receive their two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Facility owners and operators are required to request proof of vaccination as part of the provincial vaccine certificate program.

The amendment comes just a month after an outbreak was revealed at a private Newmarket arena, where 15 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed among adult league players, including the death of one player. Since then, 11 secondary cases have been linked to the outbreak by York Region public health officials.

The outbreak at National Training Rinks in Newmarket was revealed in early October and led to many people on social media questioning air quality inside facilities.

School board facilities, including gymnasiums, are still not allowed to issue permits to service the public.

For more information on eligibility, clinic locations, hours or to book an appointment, visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.