Doug Sweet, Chief Administrative Officer, discussed the new provincial regulations regarding the orders issued by the Province of Ontario requiring proof of vaccination in select settings that come into effect on September 22, 2021.
Jake Morassut, Manager, Parks and Facilities, explained that staff will require proof of double vaccinations and photo ID before entering all indoor recreation facilities that are used for recreation and sporting events such as the Essex Centre Sports Complex, Harrow Arena and the Essex Recreation Complex. The exclusions to the vaccination policy are as follows:
1. 11 years old and younger are allowed in the facilities without vaccination status.
2. 12-17 years old are allowed in facility if they are directly participating in the sport and not vaccinated. Spectators in this age category must be vaccinated.
3. 18+ years old are permitted in the facility without COVID-19 vaccinations if they are a coach or volunteer or official with the youth sport user groups.
4. Medical and religious exemptions.
Councillor Bondy asked who is staffing/checking vaccination records and who is responsible for the extra cost for the staffing.
Mr. Sweet stated that the government has previously covered extra cost but currently the Town of Essex is absorbing it. He noted that they are tracking any extra staff cost.
Councillor Garon asked what for the current capacity in the arena, how the Town is ensuring social distancing and if decreased capacity limits will have impact on programing
Mr. Morassut stated that the capacity is 50 percent and each area/room has their own rated capacity. He explained that people are also to self-police and that the Town has not refused anyone based on capacity limits having been reached since the 50 percent capacity was implemented several weeks ago.
Councillor Vander Doelen asked if people will be allowed into the arena if they have a negative COVID-19 test or if they had previously recovered from COVID-19.
Mr. Morassut stated that the provincial government has not permitted a negative test or someone who has previously recovered from COVID-19 as an exemption but they have installed cameras for those who want to watch at home.
Councillor Vander Doelen asked that it be noted that he is opposed to the motion.