Public Service Announcement: Province expands proof of vaccination in recreational facilities and reduces capacity limits in select settings to curb spread of COVID-19

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Public Service Announcement

Public Service Announcement: Province expands proof of vaccination in recreational facilities and reduces capacity limits in select settings to curb spread of COVID-19

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking action to further encourage vaccination and help limit the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. These measures have been established to help reduce the risk of transmission during the winter months to further encourage every eligible Ontarian to get their vaccine so that hospital capacity is protected.

Changes to Capacity Limits and Social Gathering Limits

As of 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021, the Province will be introducing a 50 per cent capacity limit in several indoor public settings, including:

  • Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments;
  • Indoor recreational amenities – including Town of Lincoln facilities;
  • Personal physical fitness trainers;
  • Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies);
  • Shopping malls;
  • Non-spectator areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g. gyms);

The Province is also reducing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

More information can be found in the Province’s December 17 media release.

New Proof of Vaccination Requirements

The following changes are coming into effect at Lincoln’s recreational facilities:

  • Effective December 20, 2021, proof of vaccination or documented medical exemption accompanied by proper identification will be required for all facility users aged 12 and up. This means everyone aged 12 and up entering sport and recreational facilities must show proof of vaccination
    • Proper identification needs to include name and date of birth. Picture ID is not required.
    • Youth turning 12 years of age in 2022 will be provided a grace period of 12 weeks to receive their full series of vaccinations.
    • Exceptions to this requirement are for those entering these facilities for the sole purpose of using a washroom, picking up an order, registering for a program, or paying a bill.
  • Effective January 4, 2022, use of the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code and the Verify Ontario app in settings where proof of vaccination is required begins. The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.

Print your vaccination certificate with QR code at Lincoln Public Library: Anyone who requires assistance printing a paper copy of their vaccination certificate with QR code can visit either branch of Lincoln Public Library. Staff can assist to print, reduce and laminate vaccination certificates for $1.00 each. Please visit Lincoln Public Library’s website for addresses and hours of operation at the Fleming and Rittenhouse library branches.

  • Effective January 10, 2022, the verification process for medical exemptions and clinical trial exemptions will require a certificate with a QR code. Physician’s notes will no longer be accepted.

More information can be found in the Province’s December 10 media release.

Please visit the Town’s website for details on Proof of Vaccination Requirements at Town Facilities.

These changes are additional to those announced on December 9 that included capacity limits in dressing rooms and changes to timing for accessing the facility before and after programs/events. Please see our December 9 Public Service Announcement for more details.