TORONTO, Ontario, March 01, 2022– Effective March 1, 2022, Ontario is in the Roadmap Exit Step of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen. Under the Roadmap Exit Step, the Government of Ontario has lifted many public health measures implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19:
- Proof of vaccination requirements to access the indoor areas of businesses, organizations, and public spaces are lifted;
- All indoor capacity limits are lifted; and
- Physical distancing is no longer required.
As has been the case since the start of the pandemic, the Ontario Artistic Swimming (OAS) board of directors has taken a decision to align OAS COVID-19 policies and protocols with government and public health restrictions and regulations.
As such, effective March 1, 2022, the OAS COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is withdrawn. We would note that continuation of proof of vaccination requirements is now the decision of individual organizations and facilities. Municipalities and sport facilities can be more restrictive than the Roadmap Exit Step and may continue to require proof of vaccination upon entry. If this occurs, OAS, its clubs, and participants must abide by these rules or risk losing use of the facility and termination of their contract.
The OAS COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that is hereby lifted, was adopted on September 29, 2021, stating that OAS and its Members require that all Individuals who are 12 years of age and older who are eligible to receive their COVID 19 vaccines must show proof of identification and proof of vaccination as described in O. Reg. 364/ 20 to a designated member of their organization to attend or participate in Sanctioned Activity. Provincially defined medical exemptions apply.
With the lifting of this policy, all participants should continue to remain vigilant in continuing to conduct a daily self assessment for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, prior to attendance to all sanctioned events, national and provincial/high performance programs and competitions at certain facilities, training & education activities and out of province/country travel. All remaining public health measures and Ontario Artistic Swimming’s Return to Play Framework and protocols continue to remain in force. Note: The requirement for daily screening remains a requirement under provincial Regulations; Ontario Artistic Swimming reserves the right to reinstate the OAS COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, or any variation of such policy and/or mandate as we continue to monitor any changes in public health measures. We appreciate the ongoing commitment and support of our members in adhering to the various measures as implemented.