Brampton drops proof of vaccination for city-run facilities

Brampton gyms, rec centres and performing arts venues are no longer required to check for proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

As of Tuesday (March 1), Ontario has dropped proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for businesses and organisations, and Brampton has now removed proof of vaccination requirements and capacity limits at all city-run recreation centres and performing arts venues.

While Brampton has done away with capacity limits at city-run facilities, the province is allowing independent businesses to choose if they continue requiring a valid COVID-19 vaccination record upon entry.

Brampton’s Rose Theater has also reopened to full capacity, with listings and tickets available at www.therosebrampton.ca.

Peel Public Health has also done away with proof of vaccination requirements for kids aged 12 and older participating in indoor organised sports.

And while COVID-19 vaccination requirements are easing, Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health for Peel Region, continues to urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated with close contacts expected to increase as the province reopens.

“Two doses and a booster present significant protection against severe outcomes, and reduces an individual’s risk of hospitalisation and ICU admission by six and ten times respectively,” Loh said in a release.

The province said last week that mask mandates are staying in place in Ontario for now, but when they are removed for public settings they will simultaneously be lifted in schools.

Visitors to Brampton facilities are still required to wear a non-medical mask indoors and practice physical distancing, and residents are asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering City facilities and stay home if they are feeling unwell.

The province is still strongly recommending that anyone providing care to vulnerable people be immunised against COVID-19 and that health-care facilities should still have policies for new hires.

RELATED: Mask mandates will lift in schools, public spaces at the same time 

Brampton recreation Centres are open for registered and drop-in programming.

Pre-registration is not required for visits to recreation centres, however it is recommended that visitors purchase their services online at www.brampton.ca/registerforprograms in advance of their visit as all services are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Under the COVID-19 Mandatory Face Mask Bylaw, non-medical masks are required in all indoor public spaces in Brampton. Scarves, bandanas, neck gaiters or neck warmers and masks with exhalation valves are not acceptable forms of face coverings.

Also under the bylaw, masks may only be removed for consumption of food or drink if an individual is seated in a designated area for that purpose.

For more information on the city’s COVID-19 measures visit Brampton.ca.