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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Posted on by gstruthers

Anyone born in 2009 or earlier is eligible to get vaccinated.

If you still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine you can visit a Health Unit mobile clinic, a local pharmacy or your primary care provider to be vaccinated.

Please see below for mobile clinic dates, and links to local pharmacies.

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is now required to attend select non-essential businesses and indoor settings. Get full details here.

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Need a COVID-19 Vaccination Receipt?
Print or download it here.

How to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

  • Walk-In: anyone born in 2009 or earlier can “walk-in” for a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at any of the Health Unit mobile clinics. No appointments are needed, but please bring your Ontario Health Card if you have one. Both mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-Comirnaty and Moderna-Spikevax) are available at all mobile clinics, unless specified otherwise.
  • All children turning 12 years old before the end of 2021 are eligible to be vaccinated.
Second Doses

In Ontario, the time between doses of vaccine varies. Refer to the provincial guidance document for intervals.

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Third Dose

Ontario is now offering a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for specific groups of the population. People who are eligible for a third dose must speak with their health care provider, primary care provider, specialist or hospital specialty program prior to receiving the third dose. Learn more on the Third Dose of COVID Vaccine page.

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Health Unit Vaccination Clinics

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the Health Unit office in Lindsay (108 Angeline St. S) on:

Friday, October 29, 10 am to 4 pm

No appointments are needed, but please bring your Ontario health card.

Mobile Clinics

The Health Unit is working with other community partners to hold special mobile clinics at select locations. These mobile clinics are open to anyone born in 2009 or earlier, no appointment needed. Please bring your health card. Both mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-Comirnaty and Moderna-Spikevax) are available at all mobile clinics, unless specified otherwise.

  • Port Hope: Thursday, October 28, 1-4 pm, HKPR District Health Unit office (200 Rose Glen Rd.) in Port Hope. IMPORTANT NOTE – Clinic moved to Port Hope health unit office from Cobourg Community Centre.
  • Lindsay: Friday, October 29, 9 am to 1 pm, Midwives of Lindsay and the Lakes Office (41 Russell St. W.) in Lindsay. Open to anyone born in 2009 or earlier, but especially pregnant individuals and those trying to get pregnant. A Public Health Nurse and Midwife will be available to answer specific questions as it relates to COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy.
  • Port Hope: Friday, October 29, 1 to 4 pm, HKPR District Health Unit office (200 Rose Glen Rd.) in Port Hope. IMPORTANT NOTE – Clinic moved to Port Hope health unit office from Cobourg Community Centre.
  • Lindsay: Saturday, October 30, 10 am to 2 pm, Lindsay Collegiate Vocational Institute (LCVI) (260 Kent St. W) in Lindsay.
  • Castleton: Saturday, October 30, 11 am to 2 pm, Castleton Town Hall (1780 Percy St.) in Castleton.
  • Codrington: Saturday, October 30, 11 am to 2 pm, Codrington Fire Hall #2 (1256 Country Rd 27) in Codrington.
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Pharmacy Locations

Hundreds of Ontario pharmacies are now offering COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible residents. This includes select pharmacies in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

For a full list of pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccines, visit Ontario’s Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccine page. You can search the list of participating pharmacies by community or using your postal code.

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Have Questions About COVID-19 Vaccine? Speak to a Health Professional

Make an appointment to talk with a doctor/nurse if you have questions or concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Access these free services:

Please note:

  • There have been a small number of reports of pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) after getting a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in Canada. Click here to learn more in this Public Health Ontario fact sheet.
  • Before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, drink water and eat something ahead of time. Being well-hydrated and having something in your stomach reduces your risk of feeling faint after your shot.
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Additional Resources:

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Reopening Businesses and Services – Current Restrictions

Posted on by Administrator

Find out the latest COVID-19 rules, as Ontario starts to lift restrictions. Click here for a timetable of what to expect in coming months, based on COVID-19 cases staying low and other key data remaining good.

Latest Situation
  • Capacity limits and physical distancing rules are no longer in place for restaurants, bars, gyms, casinos, bingo hall, and indoor meeting and event spaces. These are all settings where patrons must provide proof of vaccination to enter. Read the specific regulations here.
  • Other select businesses can see also have their capacity limits and physical distancing rules removed if they choose to require proof of vaccination for customers/patrons. The businesses that can opt in to this include: personal care services (barber shops, salons, etc.); indoor areas of museums, galleries, historical sites and other attractions; indoor areas of amusement parks, boat tours’ and indoor tour and guide services.
  • Places of worship and other locations where a wedding, funeral or religious service, rite or ceremony takes place can also choose to implement proof of vaccination requirements for these types of events. In exchange, capacity limits and physical distancing rules would also be lifted.
  • Capacity limits remain in place for other stores and retail settings. This will be reviewed in coming months to see if they can be lifted.
  • Specific COVID-19 restrictions can still be put in place on a local/regional basis if needed.
  • Social gatherings limits remain at up to 25 people indoors and up to 100 people at an outdoor gathering.
  • The province has announced plans/timetable to lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions by March 2022. This will be a slow and gradual process based on COVID-19 case rates and other key health care indicators (hospital admissions, ICU cases, etc.) staying stable and low. The Ontario government’s full announcement on the timing and gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions is available here.
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Proof of Vaccination to be Required in Certain Settings
  • Ontario requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend select businesses and indoor settings. These settings include: restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery/takeout), nightclubs, meeting/event spaces, gyms/fitness clubs, sporting events, casinos/bingo halls/gaming establishments, concerts, theatres, cinemas, and racing venues. Retail stores, grocery stores, banks and other essential businesses are not included in this new requirement.
  • Proof of vaccine may also now be required in other businesses. Personal care services (barber shops, salons, etc.), indoor areas of museums, galleries, historical sites and other attractions, indoor areas of amusement parks, boat tours, and indoor tour and guide services can choose to ask customers/patrons for proof of vaccination. In exchange, capacity limits and physical distancing rules in these businesses can be lifted.
  • Proof of vaccination rules may be lifted early in 2022 if the situation with COVID-19 activity in Ontario remains favourable.
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Specific Rules

Read on for more details on current COVID-19 restrictions.

Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings
  • Up to 25 people are allowed at indoor social gatherings and organized public events.
  • A maximum of 100 people is permitted for outdoor social gatherings and organized public events.
  • Retirement homes are exempt from gathering limits.
  • Stay home if sick. Do not attend any gatherings. Get tested if you have symptoms or are worried you were in contact with COVID-19. Click here for additional advice about gathering for holidays and celebrations.
  • Masks must be worn at organized indoor public events. Physical distancing (staying 2 metres apart from others outside your household) is also required at organized indoor public events.
  • Masks are not required to be worn at social gatherings inside private homes, but face coverings are required in common areas (hallways) in multi-unit dwellings like apartments, condominiums, etc. Wearing a mask indoors regardless of where you are can reduce the spread of COVID-19.
  • Ensure you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Ask others attending the gathering what their vaccination status is, so you can take appropriate precautions such as wearing a mask and staying two metres apart from others outside your household.
  • To reduce your risk of COVID-19, continue to practise physical distancing at any gathering you attend.
  • COVID-19 is less likely to be spread outdoors than in, so consider meeting others outdoors. If meeting inside, open windows and doors to allow for good ventilation.
  • Continue to stop the spread of COVID-19. Click here additional COVID-19 prevention measures.
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Religious Services, Weddings and Funerals
  • Indoor and outdoor weddings, funerals and religious services are allowed.
  • Places of worship and other locations where a wedding, funeral or religious service, rite or ceremony takes place can choose to implement proof of vaccination requirements for these types of events. In exchange, capacity limits and physical distancing rules would be lifted.
  • If proof of vaccination is not required, capacity at these services is limited to the number of people who can distance at least two metres.
  • Masks/face coverings must be worn inside. Mask use is also recommended outdoors if you cannot stay 2 metres apart from someone outside your household
  • Drive-in services, rites or ceremonies can still be offered
  • Consider livestreaming services for those who are unable or do not feel comfortable attending in-person
  • Receptions are permitted, with up to 25 people indoors and a maximum of 100 people outdoors.
  • Click here for more information on COVID-19 prevention measures at places of worship.
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Businesses and Services
  • All businesses must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place that is also posted in a visible location for people to see. Click here for a sample from the Health Unit. You can also use Ontario’s Workplace Safety Plan Builder (a free interactive tool to make it easier to create and update your COVID-19 safety plan).
  • Proof of vaccination is required to enter certain businesses.
  • Businesses must ensure anyone entering their premise wears a mask/face covering properly (unless exempted) and stays two metres apart from others
  • Cleaning and disinfecting of the business premise should be done as frequently as needed to maintain sanitary conditions.
  • Capacity at essential and non-essential businesses, stores and malls remains limited to the number of people who can maintain 2 metres physical distance. The maximum number of customers must be posted in a visible location. For a handy resource to help you figure out store capacity limits, use the Retail Council of Canada’s Store Capacity Calculator.
  • Capacity limits and physical distancing rules no longer apply for restaurants and bars. However, patrons/customers dining inside must provide proof of vaccination to enter. Restaurants must also continue to record the name and contact information of every customer who dines in.
  • Indoor food or drink establishments where dance facilities are provided, including nightclubs and ‘restobars’, can open up to 25% capacity or a maximum of 250 people (whichever is less). Capacity limits at these venues will be reviewed by the Province and may be lifted in mid-November.
  • All businesses must ensure physical distancing is in place for any customers lined up outdoors. Lineups inside are not allowed, unless the business ensures customers wear a mask and stay at least 2 metres apart from each other.
  • All staff/employees must be screened for COVID-19 prior to entry. Consider using the online Employee screening tool or download a copy (PDF) from the Ontario government website.
  • Signs must be posted in a prominent location, informing customers/patrons to screen themselves for COVID-19 before entering. You can also use the online screening tool designed for customers or download a copy (PDF) from the Ontario government website.
  • All personal care services (like hair salons and barbershops) are open, including those that require the removal of a face covering. Click here for full details.
  • Gyms and fitness clubs can reopen for indoor use, with all capacity and physical distancing limits removed. Patrons/members must provide proof of vaccination (or valid exemption) to enter. Gyms and fitness clubs must continue to record the name and contact information of every customer who enters the facility for the purpose of COVID-19 contact tracing.
  • Capacity limits are removed for the following settings:
    • Concert venues, theatres and cinemas.
    • Spectator areas of facilities for sports and recreational fitness (would not include gyms, personal training).
    • Meeting and event spaces (indoor meeting and event spaces will still need to limit capacity to the number that can maintain physical distancing).
    • Horse racing tracks, car racing tracks, and other similar venues.
    • Commercial film and television productions with studio audiences.
    • IMPORTANT NOTE: Other public health and workplace safety measures remain in place at these venues, including wearing of masks, screening and collecting of patron information to support contact tracing. Physical distancing requirements are being removed (with limited exceptions).
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Personal Care Services
  • Personal care services, including those provided by hair salons and barbershops, manicure and pedicure salons, aesthetician services, piercing services, tanning salons, spas and tattoo studios, can now have their capacity limits and physical distancing rules lifted. To do this, they must require proof of vaccination for customers.
  • If a personal care service does not opt for proof of vaccine, the number of customers allowed inside the business is limited to the number that can maintain 2 metres physical distance. A sign must be posted in a prominent location in the business that states the capacity limit.
  • Services that require the removal of a face covering are allowed.
  • Oxygen bars remain closed.
  • Persons who provide personal care services in the business must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (medical masks that cover nose, mouth and chin; goggles that provide eye protection).
  • Appointments are required. No walk-ins are allowed.
  • Employees and customers must be actively screened for COVID-19 before they enter the premises. Use the online employee screening tool (or download a copy) and the web-based version for customers (or \download a copy). You can also put up this COVID-19 screening poster for customers.
  • All personal care settings must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place that is also posted in a visible location for people to see. Click here for a sample.
  • Any music played inside the business must be set at a level that allows for a normal conversation to take place.
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Attractions
  • Capacity limits and physical distancing rules can be lifted for certain attractions if they choose to require proof of vaccination for patrons/customers. This option applies to indoor areas of museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens, rural exhibitions, festivals, fairs and similar attractions
  • If these attractions do not choose to require proof of vaccination, capacity limits stay in place. Currently, indoor capacity for a seated event is limited to 50% of the usual seating capacity or 1,000 people (whichever is less). Outdoor capacity for a seated event or activity is limited to 75% of usual seating capacity of the venue, or 15,000 people (whichever is less). Outdoor capacity for an unseated event or activity is limited to 75% or 5,000 people. Reservations are required for indoor and outdoor events.
  • Proof of vaccination is required in outdoor settings where the normal maximum capacity is 20,000 people or more to help keep these venues safe for patrons
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Activities and Amenities
  • Outdoor amenities like golf courses, tennis courts, skateboarding parks, sports fields, and basketball courts remain open with restrictions. Horse riding is also permitted, with restrictions. Anyone using these amenities must stay two metres apart from anyone outside their household.
  • Curling clubs can open, with physical distancing and other requirements in place. All curlers must be actively screened for COVID-19. Masks must be worn when entering, sitting down or walking around; masks do not need to be worn when playing curling if you can maintain 2 metres distance from others (NOTE: For sweepers who play, either have one sweeper at a time or two sweepers who are masked, except if they’re from the same household).
  • Indoor pools are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, and with other restrictions in place. Outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides remain open, but with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres.
  • Short-term rentals such as cottages, cabins, and resorts remain open. Along with outdoor pools, indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas/whirlpools and indoor fitness centres/recreational facilities at these sites are also allowed to reopen with restrictions.
  • Seasonal trailer parks can operate as usual, with no limit on how long you can stay there. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, while indoor gatherings are limited to 25 people. Outdoor pools can open (but must first be inspected by a Public Health Inspector with the Health Unit).
  • Hotels, motels and shared rental accommodations remain open. Amenities like indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas/whirlpools and indoor fitness centres/recreational facilities at these sites are also allowed to reopen with restrictions
  • Marinas can be open, including most indoor amenities. Some restrictions remain in place.
  • Community centres and multi-purpose facilities can reopen with restrictions
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Day and Overnight Camps
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Garage/Yard Sales

Garage and yard sales are allowed, but with the following COVID-19 restrictions in place: 

  • Up to 100 people are allowed for outdoor sales at one time 
  • People should keep 2 metres apart from anyone outside their household
  • It’s best to display sale items outdoors, not inside garages or other enclosed structures, as the risk of spreading COVID-19 outdoors is lower. If you decide to display items inside, no more than 25 people are allowed inside at one time (physical distancing must be maintained) 
  • Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer and recommend its use 
  • Masks must be worn inside for any sales (except if all members of the same household) and are recommended outdoors if people cannot maintain 2 metres (6 feet) physical distance from anyone outside their household
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Vaccination Policies for Certain Settings

Certain businesses will need to have a vaccination policy for high-risk settings. The vaccination policy took effect on Sept. 7, 2021 and included employees/staff, contractors, students and volunteers.

At a minimum, the policy will require individuals to provide proof of one of three things:

  • Full vaccination against COVID-19;
  • A medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19; or
  • Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination educational session.

Anyone who does not provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to undertake regular antigen testing. These settings will be required to track and report on the implementation of their policies to the provincial government. This is similar to the vaccination policy requirements currently in place for long-term care homes.

Vaccination policies apply to the following high-risk settings:

  • Hospitals and home/community care service providers  
  • Schools
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Licensed retirement homes
  • Women’s shelters
  • Congregate group homes and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities, children’s treatment centres, and other services for children with special needs, and licensed children’s residential settings.

Even if your workplace is not covered by these requirements, local employers are encouraged to develop and implement a workplace vaccination policy to help protect their employees and the public from COVID-19.

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Additional Resources:

Click on the following links for additional support:

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COVID-19 Vaccine Certificates

Posted on by Bill

Get your enhanced vaccine certificate. Businesses can download the Verify Ontario app. These are needed because proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is now required to enter select, non-essential businesses and indoor settings in Ontario.

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Get Your Proof of Vaccination
If You Received Your COVID-19 Vaccine in Ontario:

Access Ontario’s new enhanced vaccine certificate QR code. Visit the Province’s COVID-19 vaccination portal or call 1-833-943-3900 to print or download your proof of vaccine. This enhanced vaccine QR code makes providing proof even easier to enter certain businesses. IMPORTANT NOTE: Ontario’s enhanced vaccine certificate can also be used as a proof of vaccination for travel outside of Canada (you do not need a separate federal document showing this).

NOTE: Old proof of vaccine receipt (without an official QR code) are still valid and will continue to be accepted. But you are encouraged to download the enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code as an easier, more secure and convenient way to have proof of vaccination verified.

If You Were Vaccinated Outside of Ontario:

You will need to register your receipt of vaccination. Click here and follow the steps below. Please note: This service is for residents of Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes only. Individuals who do not live in the HKPR region must register their out-of-province vaccine receipt with their local health unit.

  • Step 1: Click ask a question and complete information
  • Step 2: Click ‘Next’
  • Step 3: Click ‘COVID-19 Question’
  • Step 4: Click ‘Next’
  • Step 5: Review all of your information is correct and ensure you have entered your email. Click ‘Next’
  • Step 7: Click ‘Start Questionnaire’
  • Step 8: Select ‘Out of Province Vaccination Receipts’. Click ‘Next Page’
  • Step 9: Click ‘I would like to send my out of province vaccine information to the Health Unit’
  • Step 10: Click ‘Take/Choose a picture’ and upload a clear image of your vaccine receipt. Click open
  • Step 11: Enter your Full Name, Date of Birth, Health Card Number and where the vaccine was received
  • Step 12: Click Next Page

Instructions on providing information – HKPR video

A secure individualized URL link will be emailed to the address on file. Please check your spam folder.

If you have a green Ontario Health card, you can also check your vaccination status by clicking Ontario COVID-19 vaccination portal Please allow 10 business days before checking.

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Information for Businesses and Organizations

Access these resources or read further down this page for more information.

Verify Ontario App

Download Ontario’s new digital app to verify a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status. Simply use the free Verify Ontario Mobile app to scan COVID-19 proof of vaccination for customers and patrons.

Additional Resources for Businesses

Businesses and organizations can also submit additional questions to the Ontario Ministry of Health

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Affected Businesses/Indoor Settings

You must provide a COVID-19 vaccine certificate if you want to enter any of these businesses/public settings:

  • Indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities
  • Indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments with dance facilities, including nightclubs and restaurants, clubs and other similar establishments
  • Indoor areas of meeting and event spaces
  • Indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions:
    • Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events
  • Indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
  • Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
  • Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs
  • Indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues
  • Indoor areas where commercial film and TV productions take place with studio audiences.

As of Oct. 25, other select businesses can also choose to require proof of vaccination for customers/patrons. In exchange, their capacity limits and physical distancing rules can be lifted. Businesses that can choose to require proof of vaccines include: personal care services (barber shops, salons, etc.), indoor areas of museums, galleries, historical sites and other attractions, indoor areas of amusement parks, boat tours, and indoor tour and guide services.

Limited Exemptions

People who enter an indoor area for short periods to use a washroom, access an outdoor area, pay their bill, place or pick up a takeout order, or purchase an admission do not need to show proof of vaccination. Get a full list of who is exempted from these rules here.

Weddings and Funerals

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccines are not required to attend a funeral service or wedding ceremony, although locations that host these events may choose to implement proof of vaccination requirements.
  • Proof of vaccination or a valid exemption is required to attend any wedding reception in Ontario (including those held in conference/conventions centres and places of worship)
  • For a reception or social gathering associated with a funeral, the following applies:
    • Proof of vaccination is not required if the event is held in a place of worship, funeral home, crematorium, or similar establishment
    • Proof of vaccination or a valid exemption is required if the event is held in meeting or event spaces (like conference or conventions centres)

Businesses Not Affected

NOTE: Proof of vaccination is also not required for retail shopping and outdoor dining or to enter workplaces, grocery stores, places of worship, pharmacies, banks and other essential settings. 

Proof of Vaccines for Travelling on Trains and Planes

As of October 30, 2021, the federal government will require all air passengers departing from Canadian airports, travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and travellers on non-essential passenger vessels on voyages of 24 hours or more, such as cruise ships, to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Get full details here.

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Exemptions to Vaccine Certificates

The following individuals are exempt from the new rules:

  • Children under age 12 (who are not currently eligible to get COVID-19 vaccines)
  • Individuals who cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to limited medical exemptions. To enter a premise, these individuals must provide a doctor’s/nurse practitioner’s note that explains the medical reason and the effective time-period in which it’s covered.
  • Someone who enters an indoor area solely for the following purposes: to use a washroom; to access an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route; to make a retail purchase; to place or pick up a takeout order; to place a bet or pick up winnings (in the case of a horse racing track); while paying for an order; to purchase admission; or for the purposes of health and safety
  • Youth under age 18 years of age who are participating in an indoor organized sport (including training, practices, games and competition)
  • 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/customers.
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Penalties for Not Complying
  • If you do not provide proof of being fully vaccinated, you will not be allowed into the business or setting.
  • Individuals and businesses could also face a fine of about $750 and $1,000, respectively, for non-compliance.
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COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Q&A

Please note: information provided is not legal advice and is to be used for guidance purposes only.

What businesses and organizations are covered by the new Proof of Vaccination regulation?
  1. The indoor areas of restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments where dance facilities are not provided, but not with respect to takeout and delivery service.
  2. The indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments where dance facilities are provided, including nightclubs, restoclubs and other similar establishments, but not with respect to takeout and delivery service.
  3. The indoor areas of meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres, but not including places described in subsection 4 (2) of this Schedule.
  4. The indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks and personal physical fitness trainers, including, for greater certainty, the indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events, but not including places described in subsection 16 (4) of Schedule 2.
  5. The indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments.
  6. The indoor areas of concert venues, theatres and cinemas.
  7. The indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs.
  8. The indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.
  9. The indoor areas of places where commercial film and television production takes place, where there is a studio audience. For the purposes of this paragraph, a member of the studio audience is considered to be a patron of the production.
What qualifies as an event venue and conference centre?

Any indoor areas of meeting and event spaces including banquet halls, conference centres or convention centres. Although, the regulations do not apply if the space is rented out to overnight camps for children, licensed childcare, social services, court, government operations, or government services.

What if a business or community organization wishes to hold an event at their place of business, i.e., a museum or retail store?

Proof of vaccination would be required as it would be an indoor meeting or event space.

Are there any types of events that are exempt, for example: workshops or meetings where people remain masked, socially distanced and no food and drink are served?

The Proof of Vaccination regulation does not apply where a patron is entering an indoor area solely,

  1. to use a washroom, to access an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route, to make a retail purchase, while placing or picking up an order (including placing a bet or picking up winnings in the case of a horse racing track), while paying for an order, to purchase admission, or as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety.
  2. who are under 18 years of age, and who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, in accordance with guidance published by the Ministry of Health on its website for the purposes of this provision.
  3. who provide a written document, completed and supplied by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class, that sets out, in accordance with the Ministry’s guidance.
  4. who are entering the indoor premises of a meeting or event space, including a conference centre or convention centre, solely for the purposes of attending a wedding service, rite or ceremony or a funeral service, rite or ceremony, but not an associated social gathering.
  5. who are entering the indoor premises of a meeting or event space that is located in a place of worship or in a funeral establishment, cemetery, crematorium or similar establishment that provides funeral, cemetery or cremation services and that is operated by a person licensed under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, for the purposes of attending a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite or ceremony; or
  6. who are entering the indoor premises of a meeting or event space other than a place described in clause (e), including a conference centre or convention centre, for the purposes of attending a social gathering associated with a wedding service, rite or ceremony or a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite or ceremony, on or after September 22, 2021, but before October 13, 2021, as long as the patron produces the results of an antigen test administered within the previous 48 hours establishing that the person is negative for COVID-19 to the person responsible for the establishment.
What if a venue has a request for a private party and they wish to include their unvaccinated family and friends? Is this allowed if it is a completely private event?

The person responsible for a business or an organization that is open shall require each patron who enters an area of the premises, at the point of entry, proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Essentially, private event or not, the venue hosting will still be required to obtain proof of vaccination.

What is the liability of the event venue if, despite best efforts, the renter does not properly manage the situation with their patrons?

The business owner and/or organization are still responsible for complying with the proof of vaccination requirements. If the renter cannot properly manage gathering proof of vaccination, the responsibility then falls on the owner/organization.

Can a business allow entry to someone who does not want to comply with the regulation?

All businesses listed must comply. Patrons who decide to “boycott” a business would not be allowed into the business without proof of vaccination. Patrons should keep in mind that businesses will face serious fines and risk being shut down should they not follow the regulations.

What will the fines be for businesses and patrons who do not comply?

Business will be fined $1,000 plus surcharge, individuals will be fined $750 plus surcharge.

Is a naturopathic doctor acceptable for a medical exemption letter?

A naturopathic doctor is acceptable for a medical exception letter if they are registered with College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Friendly reminder that only certain medical exemptions will apply.

Will the enforcement officers be visiting establishments unannounced and checking patrons’ proof of immunization or will it be based on complaints?

HKPRDHU will first provide education to owners and organizations. Once given time to implement, law enforcement may decide to do unannounced check-ins to ensure the regulation is being properly enforced.

What is going to be done to assist seniors, those with developmental delays or cognitive challenges, and people without accessible technology with navigating these new systems?

HKPRDHU has been working with local partners such as libraries to assist people with finding proof of vaccination and encourages anyone in need of assistance to call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020.

Have you been provided with any guidance about what kind of data or framework must be met for the mandates to end? Such as case numbers, vaccination stats, hospitalizations, etc.

None as of September 21, 2021.

In regards to member-based organizations, there is concern about the cost in volunteer or staff time to check vaccination status every single time a member enters the building. As a compromise one organization suggested they could check each person once and then give the member a card to show on future visits rather than the more onerous vax cert. process. Will this be acceptable?

A business or organization cannot provide a “Fast Pass.” The government is currently working on an approved vaccination passport.

Does proof of vaccination apply to staff/employees?

Proof of vaccination only applies to patrons, not to staff. Although, employers are encouraged to implement immunization policies for their staff. Information can be found at www.hkpr.on.ca and ministry websites.

Are Provincial Offence Officers (by-law, police Ministry of Labour inspectors, public health inspectors) required to provide proof of vaccination?

No, while on duty conducting business, they would not be deemed to be a patron.

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Halloween Safety During COVID-19

Posted on by Bill

Don’t let COVID-19 be scary. You can enjoy Halloween safely this year. Read on for tips on how to trick or treat and hold gatherings. Be sure to continue taking precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.

On This Page:

Going Out Trick-or-Treating
  • Stay home if sick, even if symptoms are mild.
  • Trick-or-treat outdoors as much as possible. Be sure to wear a face covering, ensuring it fits well and covers the nose, mouth and chin.
  • If trick-or-treating indoors maintain physical distancing as much as possible and wear a face covering, especially when physical distancing is a challenge.
  • Be creative and build the face covering into your costume (cloth face masks can be made out of different fabrics to allow them to be part of a costume). Remember that a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering.
  • A costume mask should not be worn over a non-medical mask or face covering. This is dangerous as the costume mask makes it hard to breathe.
  • Do not crowd doorsteps. Take turns and go one at a time to get candy. Line up 2 metres apart if waiting.
  • Do not sing or shout for your treats.
  • Keep interactions brief with those giving out treats. Maintain physical activity as much as possible
  • Bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you to use while trick-or-treating. Use hand sanitizer often, especially before and after handling your face covering and after touching frequently touched surfaces
  • Wash hands with soap and water when you arrive home from trick-or-treating, and before and after handling or eating treats.
  • There is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats.
Handing Out Treats
  • Decide if you feel comfortable handing out candy. Print and display an appropriate poster to tell neighbours if you are handing out treats. Select either the Welcome Trick or Treaters poster or Sorry See You Next Year version
  • Do not participate in Halloween festivities if you are sick, even if symptoms, are mild.
  • Keep interactions with trick-or-treaters short. Encourage them to move along after receiving their treat from you.
  • Wear a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained. If you are dressing up, consider including the face covering as part of your costume.
  • Give out only purchased and packaged treats.
  • Do not ask trick-or-treaters to sing or shout for their treats.
  • Clean your hands often throughout the evening using soap and water or with handsanitizer.
  • Consider setting up a table or chair at the end of your walk or driveway to make handing out candy easier.
Halloween at Home

If you prefer to stay home for Halloween, consider these alternatives to trick-or-treating:

  • Buy treats for your children and enjoy them at home while watching a scary movie together.
  • Decorate for Halloween inside and outside your home and have children carve pumpkins to add to the festive display.
  • Showcase Halloween craft projects on your porch and in your front windows for your neighbours to enjoy.
  • Craft a countdown calendar – pick a fun Halloween activity to do each day or each weekend in October leading up to the big day.
  • Plan your own monster mash or ‘Halloween-at-home’ party. Get children to dress up in costume to mark the festivities.
  • Make your own spooky treats such as: clementine jack-o-lanterns, monster mix, or ghostly cookies.
  • Organize a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given holiday-themed items to look for around your home or property. You can also hide treats in different spots and get children to find them.
  • Do an ‘at-home’ version of trick-or-treating by setting up treat stations around your home that children can visit for goodies.
  • Pick out some Halloween themed books to read together.
  • Set up a piñata at home filled with your favourite Halloween treats.
  • Host a virtual party – set up video chats with friends and family members who can’t celebrate with you. Encourage children to show off their costumes and talk about their favourite treats.
  • Take photos of children dressed in Halloween costume and email/share with grandparents and older relatives who can’t be there in person.  
Halloween Social Gatherings
  • While Ontario’s current gathering limits are 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, you should:
    • Have the fewest number of people possible at your party or gathering to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
    • Use outdoor spaces whenever possible.
  • Provide all the necessary supplies, including hand sanitizer, soap and water.
  • If gathering inside, open windows and doors, if possible, to allow for good ventilation.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
  • If you’re hosting a visit, and have decided to only allow people who are fully vaccinated, let your guests know in advance so they are clear about the rules. Remind them of the COVID-19 precautions to follow during the event.
  • Ask guests to not attend if they are sick, even if symptoms are mild.
  • Make a list of guests attending in case public health needs it for contact tracing.
  • If gathering indoors with a group of fully vaccinated individuals, you may consider removing masks if everyone is comfortable doing so.
  • Masks should be worn indoors if people from multiple households are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated. In these situations, you should also stay two metres apart from anyone outside your household who is unvaccinated.
  • If you choose to serve food or drinks at your party, you should:
    • Wash your hands before and frequently during preparation and serving
    • Have everyone wash their hands before and after eating

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