Today, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa is adding an amendment to the Letter of Instruction that requires all people aged 12 and older who participate in indoor organized sports, including players, coaches, and officials, to provide proof of vaccination. This amendment is being issued in coordination with public health units in both York Region and Peel Region.
Effective Saturday, January 1, 2022, the amendment provides children who turn 12 years old a grace period of 12 weeks from their birthdate, during which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at indoor sports facilities. As organized sport and physical activity are important to the physical, mental and social well-being of children, the grace period ensures that indoor sports activity can continue while children receive their two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The Letter of Instruction was issued on Friday, October 8 and came into effect on Monday, November 1, 2021. The announcement on October 8 is available here
The COVID-19 vaccine is the most important public health measure available and has been conclusively shown to reduce virus transmission, protect against severe consequences of COVID-19 and be highly effective with few contraindications and side effects. Vaccinating children protects them, their families and communities.
Information on how to get vaccinated is available on the City of Toronto’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage
Quote:
“This amendment provides a reasonable opportunity for children who turn 12 years old to receive the important protection that comes with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. We want to ensure that children are able to continue with their activities, while completing their vaccination series.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health
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Media contact: Toronto Public Health Media Relations, tphmedia@toronto.ca