Leamington changes vaccination policy for facilities

LEAMINGTON – The Ontario government recently announced new requirements amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in the province and concerns around the Omicron variant.

Effective January 4, 2022, Ontarians will be required to use an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code in settings where proof of vaccination is required. The original vaccination receipts, which have been susceptible to fraud, will no longer be accepted.

Also, beginning December 20, 2021, youth 12 to 17 years of age will be required to show proof of vaccination to participate in organized sports at recreational facilities.

In alignment with provincial orders, the Municipality of Leamington is enhancing proof of vaccination requirements at its municipal facilities as follows:

Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre

As of December 20, individuals need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination using enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code (for medical exemption) and government-issued identification, before entering the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Center. Access cards previously issued by the municipality will need to be recertified by municipal staff after QR code verification.

Leamington Municipal Facilities

Starting January 4, 2022 individuals will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination using an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR (for medical exemption) and government-issued identification, before entering the Leamington municipality facilities, with some exceptions.

Exemptions

Individuals wishing to enter a Leamington municipal facility will be required to be vaccinated unless the entry is to use the washroom or to obtain customer service, and the service can be provided with use of a barrier. For example, a person who wishes to enter the municipal building to pay taxes may enter without proof of vaccination.This exception does not apply to the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre.

Enhanced vaccine certificates with official QR codes are available for download at https:// covid19.ontariohealth.ca/.

The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. Individuals can visit the Leamington Library to print a copy of their vaccine certificate for free. Alternatively, individuals can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833943-3900 to have their vaccine certificate mailed or visit a Service Ontario centre to receive a printed copy.