COVID-19

Which Town of Grimsby Facilities require Proof of Vaccination?

Indoor meeting spaces, event spaces, and facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities require proof of vaccination. This includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, sport leagues, sporting events, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events. Indoor areas for meetings and events are also included.

Facilities requiring Proof of Vaccination (unless with valid exemption)

*Unless attending an event, activity or meeting for which proof of vaccination is required. 

What is the vaccination criteria for facilities that require proof?

• The full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines, or
• One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
• Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada; and
• They received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated.

How do I provide proof that I am fully vaccinated?

Patrons entering the Peach King Centre and Livingston Activity Centre must provide proof of vaccination and proof of identity in order to enter the facility. Proof of vaccination will be accepted if the person’s name and date of birth on their identification document matches the vaccination receipt with name and date of birth and if the person is fully vaccinated.

Providing Proof of Vaccination

All Ontarians who received a vaccine were provided with a receipt at the time of vaccination. A paper copy would have been provided on site, and an email version set to the vaccine recipient. Additional copies of a COVID-19 vaccination receipt can be downloaded or printed through the COVID-19 vaccination provincial portal or obtained by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943- 3900.

All versions of the receipt are acceptable as proof of vaccination. However, a patron

seeking access to the Peach King Centre and Livingston Activity Centre must provide the

receipt that shows that they are fully vaccinated.

An enhanced vaccine certificate, as well as a verification app to allow businesses to read the QR code, will be available beginning October 22. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

Providing Proof of Identity

Proof of Identity is required to verify that the vaccine receipt presented matches that patron providing it. Proof of identity must confirm:

1. The name of the identification holder
2. Date of birth.

Photo identification is not required. 

Proof of identity can be established using documentation issued by an institution or public body, provided it includes the name of the holder and date of birth. Examples of identification documents that may be used to confirm the identity of the holder of the vaccine receipt include:

• Birth certificate
• Citizenship card
• Driver’s licence
• Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
• Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card
• Passport
• Permanent Resident card

Validation of identification is considered to have been completed/successful when the name and date of birth of the presenter of the vaccination receipt and the name and date of birth on the identification document match. If the name and date of birth on both documents do not match, the individual will not be allowed to enter the Facility or activity.

 Are there exemptions for proof of vaccination?

The proof of identification and proof of vaccination against COVID-19 requirements under O. Reg. 364/20 do not apply to:

• Volunteers, coaches and officials (when actively carrying out these roles)
• Patrons entering an indoor area solely for the following purposes:
  • to use a washroom;
  • to access customer service or pay a bill
  • to purchase admission (for an event not requiring proof of vaccination)
  • as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety.
  • Children under 12 years of age.
    • Patrons 12 years of age and older who do not qualify for an exemption must provide proof of vaccination and identification
    • Patrons or parents/guardians of patrons should be prepared to provide proof of identification including full name and date of birth to allow staff to verify if the patron is under the age of 12
    • If staff cannot verify that a patron is under the age of 12 and does not qualify for another exemption the patron will not be able to enter the facility.
    • Patrons under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult and parents/guardians accompanying a child are not exempt from proof of vaccination requirements.
    • Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the facility solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport.
      • The exemption relating to Youth under 18 years of age activity participating in indoor organized sport applies to training, practices, games and competition. Examples of an organized sport for which the exemption applies include:
        • Sports leagues
        • Organized pick up sports
        • Dance classes
        • Martial Arts
• The exemption does not apply to youth who are spectators at sporting events. Nor does the exemption apply to youth who are using a gym or other area with exercise equipment or weights unless actively participating in an organized sport.
• Parents or guardians accompanying a patron that qualifies for an exemption are still required to have proof of vaccination and identification.
• Patrons who provide a written document, completed and supplied by a physician (designated as “MD”) or by a registered nurse in the extended class (designated as “Registered Nurse (Extended Class)”, “RN(EC)”, “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP”) stating that the individual is exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time-period for the medical reason.

Patrons with a medical exemption are required to present identification and a written document stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason to the business or organization.

Proof of a medical exemption must include:

• The name of the person in the written documentation matches the identification provided.
• The physician’s or registered nurse in the extended class’s information is complete by including: o
  • Name and contact information of the physician or registered nurse in the extended class;
  • Logo or letterhead identifying the physician or registered nurse in the extended class; 
  • Statement that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and o
  • Any effective time-period for the medical reason which includes the date the patron is seeking access to the business or organization.

How will proof of vaccination and identification be enforced?

The Town of Grimsby has hired private security to carry out the enforcement of proof of vaccination requirements and screening for COVID-19. There will be zero tolerance for harassment, violent acts, and threats to staff and security at Town facilities. In the event of harassment or threats of acts of violence, law enforcement will be contacted.

What if I don’t want to disclose my vaccination status?

It is the discretion of the individual to determine whether they would like to disclose their vaccination status. Should they make the decision not to divulge this information, they will not be permitted to access settings that require proof of vaccination.

Are masks and physical distancing still required for facilities requiring proof of vaccination? 

All other public health measures (e.g., masking and physical distancing) continue to apply to patrons.

Does a previous COVID-19 infection allow you to attend facilities requiring proof of vaccination? 

No, a previous infection is not a substitute for being fully vaccinated.

Declaring an emergency together with the Niagara Region and other local municipalities underscores the critical nature of the COVID-19 situation. It further demonstrates that the Town and the Region are taking every step possible to protect residents from the Coronavirus threat. The declaration is also another way of conveying the severity of the situation to those in our communities who are ignoring the rules and regulations related to the COVID-19 emergency. 

Is there anything I should do differently during a State of Emergency?

Can Sports Fields be used?

Sports Fields are OPEN at this time, with restrictions in place as part of the Step 2 guidelines. 

Those looking to resume Sport activities must contact the Parks, Recreation and Culture department @ 905-945-1288. 

For inquiries regarding municipal services - please see the contact us page.

What businesses are open and which are closed? 

• For an up to date list on current business restrictions please visit the Government of Ontario's website

When am I required to wear a mask? 

On October 2, the Ontario government mandated face coverings in public places.  For information about those requirements please visit this link: Face coverings and face masks

On Sept. 17, 2020, Niagara Regional Council extended the temporary face covering by-law (By-law 2020-46) to require residents to wear mandatory face coverings in enclosed public places, and on Regional and municipal transit during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This by-law is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in indoor public spaces as more businesses and services begin to reopen.
This link provides further details about the requirements, on the Niagara Region's website:  Further Mask Details

• Limits for all organized public events and social gatherings, where physical distancing can be maintained:
  • Outdoor social gatherings are permitted for up to 100 persons. 
  • Indoor social gatherings are permitted for up to 25 people

For current gathering limitations and information please refer to current restrictions and public health measures.

A recovery team has been established for the Town of Grimsby, to ensure focused attention on the recovery and adaptation plans needed from COVID-19.  The recovery team is focusing on three key areas:   Rework, Respond and Reimagine.

REWORK

Preparing and adapting the work environment to ensure safety, productivity and adaptability to fluctuating work environments, related to COVID-19.

RESPOND

Adjusting corporate plans and customer service approaches such as preparing financial impact reviews, opening up some municipal services safely, exploring ways to interact with the community virtually, and providing safe and functional customer service experiences

REIMAGINE

Renewing, reimagining and adapting community services; preparing for flexible and impactful community engagement, providing support for our community service partners.   

While visiting public spaces, everyone must continue to follow Public Health guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Continue Frequent Hand washing and hand sanitization

• Maintain 2 m (6 feet) meter physical distancing

• Face coverings are required in public facilities

• Avoiding touching shared surfaces

• Staying home if feeling ill

The health and well being of our community remains top priority to the Town of Grimsby.  As services begin to resume, updates can be found here as to what is currently open. 

Town staff will continue to assist and serve citizens online and over the phone. Our phones will continue to be answered between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Friday (905-945-9634), and online service requests will remain available at www.grimsby.ca

Some municipal services will still be made available by appointment.  We would ask that you please contact our staff through phone or email. If an appointment is required our staff would be happy to guide you through our public interaction protocol to determine if we are able to facilitate an in-person meeting at this time.

NOTE: Currently municipal buildings are CLOSED for most services and appointments.  Staff are happy to assist as best as they are able through phone calls and emails

Please note the following if planning a visit to one of our municipal buildings that are open for public use:

• All facilities require face coverings to be worn at all times (exceptions - sport and strenuous fitness and exceptions as part of the Niagara Region Face Covering Bylaw)
• All patrons are asked to complete self screening prior to arriving at the site.  Please use this Niagara Region Public Health screening tool 
• All patrons will be asked for confirmation of screening upon entering the facility and will be asked to provide contact information for attendance tracing purposes
• Attendance tracing information will be shared with Public Health if requested for purposes of contact tracing.  Please note that any instances of contact tracing related to COVID-19 will be completed by Niagara Region Public Health, not by Town Staff or rental group organizations.
• Facilities are open for specific planned uses only, they are not currently open for general visiting
• Visitors to the Peach King Centre facility are restricted to those that are part of a specific rental, program or activity, or for brief general counter inquiries.  Reduced facility capacity restrictions are in place, and all uses have prescribed entrance and exit times that must be adhered to.
• All public facilities have additional cleaning protocols in place.  Space modifications have been made to ensure physical distancing can be maintained.  Hand sanitizer is available at all sites.   
• Some facilities, including Town Hall, are providing services by appointment only.

COVID-19 Response Framework:  Keeping Ontario Safe and Open

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital

Niagara Health (Niagara hospitals) 

Public Health Ontario - Dedicated COVID-19 webpage

Public Health Agency of Canada

Government of Canada - Travel Advisories

Niagara Region Community and Social Services

Government of Canada - Employment Insurance and Leave 

Government of Canada - Economic Response Plan