Updated proof of vaccination requirements now in effect. Here's what you need to know

The cities of Guelph, Waterloo and Kitchener have updatedtheir proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for people entering indoor facilities,in the wake of Ontario governmentrequirements announced Dec.10.

Here's what you need to know:

City of Waterloo

There are changes to the proof of vaccination procedure for people entering recreational facilities, the city said in a news release.

Effective Monday, Dec. 20, proof of vaccination and valid government ID is also required for youth 12 to 17 years old to enter recreation facilities for their sport.

Everyone 12 and older, except those with a valid medical exemption entering recreation facilities will be required to:

• Show proof of vaccination (QR code version will be required as of Jan. 4).
• Show government identification (a picture or legible photocopy is acceptable).
• Complete the COVID-19 health screening.
• Complete the contact-tracing form.

The city says these requirements are already in place for volunteers, parents and spectators12 years old and over.

"If your 12- to 17-year-old child is registered in a city program and is not fully vaccinated, they will not be able to participate as of Dec. 20," the city says. To withdraw from the program, you can send an email to activewaterloo@waterloo.ca.

"Everyone will be required to show proof of vaccination and identification each and every time they enter the facility."

Enhancedwith QR code

Starting Jan. 4, only the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code can be used as proof of vaccination to enter any City of Waterloo recreational facility.

The QR code proof can be used digitally (on your phone) or by printing a paper copy. Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code on the province's website.

Effective Jan. 10, city recreation facilities will no longer accept physician notes for proof of medical exemption. Residents with a medical exemption will need to present a provincially-issued exemption QR code for verification.

The City of Waterloo is encouraging people to plan their arrival to allow for the extra time required for all when entering our facilities.

The city says regulations are subject to change based on further direction and/or guidance from the province and regional governments.

City of Guelph

Starting Dec. 20, youth 12 to 17 who play organized sports at city recreation facilities are no longer exempt from proof of vaccination. This requirement applies to sports leagues and organized pick-up sports.

Previously, only youth visiting the facilities for activities other than organized sports were required to show proof of vaccination.

Meanwhile, starting Jan. 4, enhanced vaccine and exemption certificates with the QR code are required for anyone age 12 and up when entering the following:

• Centennial Arena.
• Evergreen Seniors Community Centre.
• Exhibition Arena.
• Guelph Sports Dome.
• Sleeman Centre Arena.
• Victoria Road Recreation Centre.
• West End Community Centre.
• Guelph Museums.

Staff will use the Verify Ontario app on site to confirm vaccination status by scanning the QR code.

Visitors to these facilities are reminded that they should arrive 20 minutes before a planned visit to allow time for the required screening, contact tracing and vaccine QR code scanning before they can enter a facility.

City of Kitchener

As of Monday, proof of vaccination and a valid government-issued ID will also be required for peopleaged 12 to 17 entering city recreation facilities.

The requirements include:

• Show proof of vaccination.
• Show government-issued ID (a picture or photocopy is acceptable).
• Complete aCOVID-19 health screening.
• Complete contact tracing forms.

Enhanced exemption certificatesby Jan. 10

Anyone with a medical exemption for the COVID-19 vaccination must ask an Ontario physician or registered nurse to submit their exemption directly to the public health unit where their doctor or registered nurse is located.

Paper or digital doctors notes will no longer be accepted and must be replaced with enhanced certificates that include a QR code.

Safety measures to manage Omicron

In response to the rapidly spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, medical officer of health for the Region of Waterloo, reminds residents to follow public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity and social gathering limits.

The province announced additional measures, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.

"These steps will help protect residents from the new threat that the Omicron variant poses to our community," Wang said.

"We all need to work together to get through the Omicron tsunami that is coming. A combination of vaccination and reducing our contacts is essential to protect our community and our health system."

Residents are encouraged to continue following public health measures and get vaccinated to protect themselves.

Residents are reminded to be mindful of feelings of isolation. If you or someone you know needs help, local, professional mental health support is available 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.