News

The Province of Ontario has mandated a province wide proof-of-vaccination system, effective Wednesday, September 22. Higher risk indoor settings where masks cannot be worn at all-time will remain the focus for those 12 years of age and older. Live music venues, concert halls, indoor festivals, theatres, nightclubs, restaurants, and bars are all settings where live music is permitted and will be impacted by this new vaccination system as patrons must be fully vaccinated to enter the establishment. Artists performing inside a live music venue, concert hall, indoor festival, theatre, nightclub, restaurant or bar are considered employees and must adhere to the employee policies of the business. Additional information is available within the Proof of Vaccination Guidance created by the Government of Ontario.

Businesses and organizations with higher-risk indoor settings are required to check vaccination receipts and cross-reference with other government-issued identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, health card). Staff will also be required to ensure patrons have been fully vaccinated for 14 days to enter certain establishments.  

Exemptions

The proof of identification and proof of vaccination against COVID-19 requirements under O. Reg. 364/20 do not apply to:

     a) Workers, contractors, repair workers, delivery workers, students, volunteers, inspectors or others who are entering the business or organization for work purposes and not as patrons.

     b) A patron who is entering an indoor area solely for the following purposes:

       • to use a washroom;

       • to access outdoor area that can only be accessed through indoor route;

       • to make a retail purchase;

       • while paying for an order;

       • to purchase admission; or

       • as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety.

The City of London has introduced a Mandatory Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Administrative Policy effective September 15, 2021. All City of London employees, contractors, consultants, volunteers, interns and students on placement working in City facilities and or buildings must be fully vaccinated.

Employees, Volunteers, Interns and Students on placements must:

• Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19; or provide a written attestation of a medical reason(s) or an Ontario Human Rights Code reason(s) for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Ensure daily active screening for COVID-19 is completed.

• Adhere to all policies, procedures and directions related to COVID-19.

These include, but are not limited to, personal protective equipment, physical distancing of at least two (2) metres where possible, frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing, frequent cleaning of high touch areas, active COVID-19 screening.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit has created two documents to help keep your business safe.

• Primer for Mandatory Vaccine Policies
• Letter to employers and business operators: Covid-19 Prevention

More information from the Middlesex-London Health Unit

• Vaccination Policies
• Covid-19 Workplace Resources
• Covid-19 Self Assessment