Proof of vaccination to coach, teach, volunteer, or officiate indoor sports at recreational facilities in the Simcoe Muskoka region will become mandatory for residents aged 12 and over as of November 25th.

The province has also required spectators to provide proof of vaccination. However, youths under 18 years old participating in sports and recreation will not be required to show proof of vaccination by the province. 

The new rule will be necessary for all indoor sports and recreation facilities in Simcoe County, Barrie, Orillia, and Muskoka District. The facilities will also be held accountable for checking vaccine receipts.

Dr. Charles Gardner, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit medical officer of health, stated: “These activities are high-intensity and involve heavy breathing, prolonged close contact and lack of masks for source control, putting individuals at greater risk for COVID-19 transmission.

“Requiring individuals in these roles who are 12 years of age and older to provide proof of vaccination when accessing indoor facilities used for sport and fitness activities can greatly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, thus improving protection and limiting the spread.”

Gardner’s latest order exempts school sports as the province tries to combat the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

For more information on the new requirements, visit: www.simcoemuskokahealth.org