IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE TOWN OF NEWMARKET REGARDING THE YORK REGION PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT, SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2021.
York Region Public Health has the governing authority to develop policies and mandates that apply across York Region. Early yesterday morning, York Region Public Health issued the following directive via a Letter of Instruction for Sports Facilities. It states:
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021, the Instructions to persons responsible for facilities where organized sports are played and/or practiced:
"Require each person, age 12 years and older, at the point of entry, who attends the indoor area of the facility for the purpose of (a) actively participating in organized sports, (b) coaching, officiating at organized sports or volunteering or (c) spectating at organized sports to provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption."
As you are aware, The Town of Newmarket had already established a timeline of November 1st that required everyone 12+ to be fully vaccinated in order to enter a Town facility. The Region of York has chosen to apply the same 12+ requirement, but on a much shorter deadline, by this Friday.
The Town of Newmarket respects and supports the Letter of Instruction by York Region that will require those aged 12-17, and coaches/volunteers/officials to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in organized sport as a necessary and fair approach to limiting the spread of COVID-19 and the Variants of Concern. Due to operational considerations the Town will request compliance of the public as of October 1
st 2021, but full enforcement will not take place until November 1, 2021. As a result, at this time, no individual, who is currently exempt because they are participating in an organized sport (participants aged 12-17 years or coaches/volunteers/officials) will be turned away if they are unable to provide proof of vaccination or medical exemption until October 31, 2021.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of Covid-19, we appreciate the fatigue and frustration felt by everyone. It is important that we continue working together to ensure the safety of our participants and staff. It would be appreciated if you could share with your parents and participants the importance of working with our staff team and developing an understanding that our staff must enforce regulations and have no latitude to change them.
Further, please encourage your parents and participants to be respectful of this difficult position and to address their concerns or disagreements with myself or my Director, Colin Service at
[email protected] or 905 895 5193 ext. 2601.