Public Service Announcement: Town of Lincoln to incorporate additional safety requirements at recreation facilities
Niagara Region’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a Letter of Instruction on December 2, 2021. This letter outlines additional requirements for indoor sport and recreational facilities which include municipal facilities.
The letter was issued under Section 2, Schedule 1 of Ontario Regulation 364/20 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act. It creates legally binding requirements for anyone that operates indoor facilities within Niagara that are used for sports, athletic and recreational fitness activities.
The instructions being issued require the following of the Town of Lincoln’s facilities:
- Control capacity in the highest risk areas within these facilities (e.g. change/dressing rooms) to facilitate physical distance and reduce the spread of infection.
- Operators are now instructed that all persons age 12 and older must show proof of vaccination to enter these facilities unless a person has a valid medical exemption.
- A vaccination policy is required for employees of these facilities. Given vaccine-eligible patrons must be vaccinated to protect each other, and the staff of the facilities staff should provide the same protection back to patrons.
There are no limitations on the actual sports or recreation activities that may take place within these facilities, nor how many may participate in them, nor the frequency of activities.
How this affects Town facilities
Effective December 10, 2021
Dressing rooms: The capacity limits in dressing rooms will be posted in both arenas and must be maintained by users at all times. Additional seating will be set up (where possible) outside of change rooms to facilitate the tying of skates.
- Fleming Centre's total capacity per change room is 12 persons.
- Jordan Lions Arena's total capacity per change room is 10 persons.
- As space is limited, players, coaches, referees, etc., are encouraged to enter/leave the facility fully or partially dressed to minimize time spent in the dressing rooms.
- Access to dressing rooms may be limited or unavailable based on the schedule.
- Public Health does not recommend showering in the dressing rooms at this time.
Facility Access: All user groups are permitted access to the facility 15 minutes before starting their rental and must promptly vacate the facility within 15 minutes of completing the rental.
- Active screening of all persons will remain in effect along with proof of vaccination for all those not actively participating in the sport over the individuals' ages 12 and up.
- Consistent with the Niagara Region Face Covering By-law, wearing a facial covering will remain in effect in all areas of the facility, including dressing rooms.
Effective December 25, 2021
Proof of Vaccination Requirement: Proof of vaccination or documented medical exemption accompanied by proper identification will be required for all facility users aged 12 and up, regardless of the purpose of the visit.
- Proof of vaccination is not required if attending the facility as part of an organization that needs and has verified full vaccination status or valid medical exemption for all participants, coaches, officials, or volunteers 12 years or older.
- User groups must confirm that all individuals comply with the organization's vaccination policy.
For more information on the Town of Lincoln’s response to COVID-19, visit www.Lincoln.ca/coronavirus.