Reminder - POV requirements as of Nov 26th 2021, News (Peterborough Girls Hockey Association)

As a reminder we are approaching November 26th which is the date the Peterborough Public Health Letter of Instruction regarding proof of vaccination (POV) requirements for ALL persons 12+ entering facilities used for sport and recreational fitness activities will take effect. On this date, it will mean that everyone 12 years of age and older (including active participants) will need to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a medical exemption, and personal identification each time they enter any PPH region facility.

Over the past few weeks, PPH has received several questions about the implementation of this Instruction, and we are sharing some of these with you:

• Is there a grace period for people who are soon to turn 12?
  • Not at this time. In the province of Ontario, individuals who are born in 2009 are eligible to get the vaccine now. They do not have to wait until they are 12 to get the vaccine. See the Ministry of Health 12-17 vaccine guidance document (page 3).

• Are there any religious or human rights exemptions allowed?
  • No. The Instructions indicate that the confirmation of proof must be completed in the same manner as if prescribed byO. Reg. 364/20, Schedule 1, Section 2.1, and the Ministry of Health’s Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act. This means religious or human rights is not an approved exemption.

• Will people from out of town be required to follow these rules?
  • Yes. As of November 26^th, ALL persons 12 years of age and older (including active participants) will need to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a medical exemption, and personal identification each time they enter a facility. There are many Health Units across Ontario who have a similar requirement, but not all.  This means you will have athletes and spectators from other areas in Ontario trying to gain entry to your facility who may not be aware of the requirements here.  Please ensure your sporting groups/teams are clearly communicating this enhanced requirement for the Peterborough Public Health area.

• What is PPH doing to get the word out about this enhanced requirement?

PPH issued a press release on October 15^th when the Letter of Instruction was released and  have promoted this through social media. This was provided in an email from the Arena Division on Oct 20^th, 2021.

• PPH will be doing a promotion campaign starting next week in the lead up to November 26^th and will also be doing reminders after the effective date.
• PPH will issue a press release on November 26^th.

Please reinforce this instruction and requirements to your users to ensure their awareness prior to the implementation date on the 26^th, we will be ensuring our security contractor and staff responsible for POV checks request this from applicable youth groups.

Thank you. 

Arena Division Customer Service

City of Peterborough

[email protected]

705-742-7777 ext. 2577