The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) says that due to the ongoing circulation of COVID-19, with most cases caused by the highly contagious Delta variant, the health unit has issued a letter of instruction to owners, operators and persons responsible for any indoor facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities in the District of Muskoka and other areas in the region.

Effective Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, owners, operators and persons responsible for any indoor facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities in Simcoe Muskoka will be required to ensure that each individual, age 12 years and older provides identification and proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption to attend the facility’s indoor area.

Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health says “Sport and recreational fitness activities provide physical and mental health benefits to participants. However, many of these activities are high-intensity and involve heavy breathing, prolonged close contact and lack of masks for source control, putting individuals at greater risk for COVID-19 transmission.”