YMCA of Eastern Ontario requires Covid vaccinations for members, visitors and staff News Release

BROCKVILLE & KINGSTON, ON – In preparation for its re-opening on September 1, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario has put a new vaccination policy in place that requires all members, visitors and staff – with the exception of those who are medically exempt or not eligible – to be fully vaccinated to access its facilities and programs.

Upon entering Y facilities in Kingston or Brockville, individuals are required to self-screen. The questionnaire includes a declaration of full vaccination or a recent negative Covid test. For anyone not vaccinated or who are exempt from vaccinations, weekly negative Covid tests are required until further notice. The declaration further requires individuals to be able to show proof of vaccination or test results, if requested.

“Since the outset of the pandemic, we have put safety first, and have gone above and beyond what has been recommended,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “We are doing our part to support the exemplary community efforts to increase vaccination rates to keep people safe and to mitigate infections. We believe that people in our communities expect this degree of conscientiousness from us.”

The vaccination policy has been developed locally with all due diligence and with support from the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. It may be updated subject to federal, provincial and/or public health decisions or recommendations on Covid guidelines, vaccinations or booster shots.

“We reached out to our members in a survey and many expressed a desire for vaccinations to be required,” Adams said. “We know that everyone wants a return to the pre-pandemic ‘normal’ as soon as possible. Although we don’t yet know what a new normal looks like, expecting people to be vaccinated is an important step to get there faster.”

Currently, the Y’s Covid-19 protocols include: masking, safe distancing, sanitization, hand-washing hygiene, capacity limits, self-screening and a vaccination self-declaration. These are updated as the pandemic evolves.

To stay up-to-date with YMCA news, including, Covid protocol updates, please visit the news page of our website. A copy of the member and visitor vaccination policy can be found here.

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About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provide safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula and offers fitness and other programs including SCUBA, Karate and Total Life Care – specialized programming for individuals with chronic conditions.

For information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing and Communications
colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca
613-888-9298