Cobourg Prepares to Implement COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Policy

Pete Fisher
3 years ago
• Categories: City Hall, Local

The Town of Cobourg will require proof of full vaccination and corresponding identification (photo ID) from members of the public aged 12 and older who want to enter the Cobourg Community Centre and the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre beginning Wednesday, September 22, 2021. This policy supports the Provincial legislation outlined under the Reopening of Ontario Act for anyone wishing to enter select public settings. 

On September 1, 2021 the Government of Ontario made an announcement that individuals will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes: 

• Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout)
• Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment)
• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres
• Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport
• Sporting events
• Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
• Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas
• Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs
• Racing venues (e.g., horse racing) 

“The Town of Cobourg remains committed to working together with public health officials and our local health unit to reduce the risk of community spread while continuing to keep our residents safe and healthy,” said Tracey Vaughan, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Cobourg. “We are kindly asking our residents and facility users to be patient and understanding towards our staff as we adapt to the COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination policy that enables us to keep offering recreational services and programs.”

Which municipal facilities are affected?
The Town of Cobourg has carefully reviewed the regulations and guidelines, and will be requiring proof of vaccination and valid identification at the following facilities: 

Cobourg Community Centre
All facility users must be fully vaccinated, show proof of vaccination status and identification to:

• Participate in an organized sport, including training, practices, games and competitions.
• Access the facility for any purpose, including parents or guardians of youth participating in an organized sport. 

Those exempt from the proof of vaccination and identification requirement includes:

• Children 11 years and younger.
• Youth under 18 years of age actively participating in an organized sport, including training, practices, games and competitions.
• Individuals with a medical exemption (must provide proof of a doctor’s note issued within the last 30 days).
• Elementary and high school students participating in programs as part of their school curriculum will be subject to the vaccination requirements of their respective school boards.
• Workers, coaches, officials, volunteers, contractors, repair workers, delivery workers, students, inspectors or others who are entering the business or organization for work purposes and not as patrons.
  • Anyone entering the facility to use a washroom or make a retail purchase. 

“The health and safety of our facility users, staff and the community at large is extremely important to us,” said Deputy Director Teresa Behan of the Community Services Division. “We are pleased to continue operating the Cobourg Community Centre while ensuring all provincial health and safety guidelines are being properly followed.”

Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre
All facility users must be fully vaccinated, show proof of vaccination status and identification to:

• Access meeting and event spaces and to participate in programs. 

Those exempt from the proof of vaccination and identification requirement includes:

• Children 11 years and younger.
• Individuals with a medical exemption (must provide proof of a doctor’s note issued within the last 30 days).
• Elementary and high school students participating in programs as part of their school curriculum will be subject to the vaccination requirements of their respective school boards.
• Workers, coaches, volunteers, contractors, repair workers, delivery workers, students, inspectors or others who are entering the business or organization for work purposes and not as patrons.
• Anyone entering the facility to use a washroom or make a retail purchase. 

Exemptions based upon the Town’s obligations pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All requirements, exemptions and policies are subject to change based on provincial regulation.

Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine Receipt
Residents are encouraged to print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal. The Ministry of Health is working on additional supports and services to assist residents who need help obtaining proof of vaccination, including requesting a copy be sent by mail. Those who need support obtaining a copy of their vaccination receipt including those who do not have access to a computer or printer can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 

The Cobourg Public Library is also offering to print up to two (2) vaccine certificates, free of charge, for residents who may not have access to the equipment and technology required to download and print their certificates. Visit the Library during the regular hours of operation for assistance. 

Stay Informed
The Town of Cobourg has launched a dedicated COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination webpage that includes information, FAQs and important documents. Visit cobourg.ca/vaccine-proof to learn more. 

For local health unit updates visit the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s website at hkpr.on.ca. For provincial information, visit ontario.ca/covid19.