As we reopen more and more programs for in person participation, the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, members, and participants continues to be our priority. In keeping with the Ontario government’s vaccination requirements for select settings, we are putting in place a COVID-19 vaccine requirement policy for all YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics members and visitors who are 12 years and older. This policy will come into effect on September 22, 2021.
As of September 22, 2021, all YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Health, Fitness & Aquatics members and visitors who are 12 years and older will be required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine series.
Children who require adult accompaniment must be accompanied by an adult who is fully vaccinated.
Our Y will comply with human rights obligations and accommodate individuals who are legally entitled to an exemption. Accommodation could include virtual offerings, outdoor offerings, or other program alternatives. Please see the attached letter from the Medical Officer of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
Members will be asked to use the Ontario government’s vaccine verification tool as the means for demonstrating proof of vaccination. You will be hearing more from us in the coming days.
Our goal is to safely serve communities in program settings that meet, and in some cases exceed, public-health requirements for infection prevention, and control. We have adjusted our protocols along the way, based on shifting conditions and evolving guidance from governments and public-health authorities. Our new COVID-19 vaccine requirement policy coincides with the Ontario government’s announcement of its vaccine certificate policy.
Our members have been crucial in how far we’ve come in the fight against COVID-19. Your adherence to the new conditions and protocols has allowed us to open and operate safely to this point. The concerning rise in the number of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, however, threatens the progress we have all made in responding to the pandemic. As we consider the vulnerable communities we serve and the presence of children in our centres – many of whom are too young to be vaccinated – we must do everything we can to protect their health and safety.
As we work toward the September 22 deadline, all of our current health and safety protocols remain in place.
We appreciate your continued support as we adapt our practices to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for doing your part to protect one another and our most vulnerable participants.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at support@osgb.ymca.ca.
Sincerely,
Sarah Cowley
Executive Director
