In a October 6 letter, Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, has outlined the new vaccine requirement and guidelines to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19 for indoor organized sports. The vaccination rules are being strengthened effective October 9th.
Those aged 12 and over participating in indoors organized sports at Ottawa recreation facilities will have to make available their proof of vaccination (or a medical exemption) effective at 12:01am on Saturday, October 9.
In her letter, Dr. Etches outlines that this would include sports and recreational fitness activities including, but not limited to, sports leagues, organized pick-up sports, dance classes, gymnastics, martial arts and swimming classes. For greater certainty, persons who support indoor organized sports includes, but is not limited to, volunteers, coaches, and officials.
Ottawa Public Health in collaboration with the Ottawa Sports Council is hosting a Town Hall and being held on Friday, October 8 at 1:00pm for anyone requiring further clarity on the rules.
Stiff penalties face those individuals who don’t comply to the new guidelines under the Reopening Ontario Act with fines of up to $100,000 or a one-year term in jail.