Vaccine mandate coming for youth indoor sports in Kingston, Ont.
Children aged 12 to 17 will soon need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in organized indoor sports in the Kingston region.
The Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health unit said in a release Wednesday that, starting Dec. 6, children and teens would need to provide proof that they had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or a valid medical exemption in order to take part in organized indoor sports activities.
Medical officer of health Dr. Piotr Oglaza issued the new rules via a letter of instruction.
"Organized sports are defined as sports and recreation activities including, but not limited to, sports leagues, organized pick-up sports, dance classes, gymnastics, martial arts, and swimming classes, or as otherwise described in the Ministry of Health’s proof of vaccination guidance for businesses and organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020," the health unit said.
Starting Feb. 25, 2022, a full series of vaccination will be required.
KFL&A Public Health says indoor sports tick all the boxes as high-risk settings, with close contact, closed spaces, crowded places, prolonged exposure, and forceful exhalation.
COVID-19 cases in the KFL&A region have been increasing rapidly in recent weeks. According to the health unit, there are presently 220 active cases in the region, and the seven-day average is 71.3 cases per 100,000 population. For comparison, Ottawa has 303 active cases and its seven-day average per 100,000 population is 24.6 cases.
More than 90 per cent of KFL&A residents 12 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 87.4 per cent are considered fully vaccinated.
The health unit said the proof of vaccination requirements for indoor sports would remain in effect until the medical officer of health no longer deems it necessary. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $100,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.