Proof of vaccination soon required to enter Windsor-Essex recreational facilities: WECHU

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit says entering a recreational facility will soon require proof of vaccination.

Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health, announced the news along with CEO Nicole Dupuis during a media call on Monday morning.

"What we're trying to do is... improve the safety of the community," he said.

The health unit will provide details in a letter of instruction expected to be released on Monday afternoon.

Officials said the measure applies to anyone 12 and up and includes coaches, officiants as well as spectators attending recreation centres.

The measure does not apply to recreational settings within schools. Dupuis said there will be no exceptions to the policy.

Nesathurai said there are still tens of thousands of people in the region who are eligible for vaccination but have not yet gotten a single dose.

The City of Windsor has already announced a similar policy for those attending municipal arenas.

The requirement goes beyond the provincial rule, which does not require proof of vaccination for those aged 12 to 17 who are participating in a sporting event but mandates that spectators must be vaccinated.