Point Edward, ON – In response to a number of resident complaints, Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reminding local business owners/operators they are responsible to uphold all proof of vaccination requirements as required by the Province.
On October 22, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, released A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term. This plan outlines Ontario’s cautious and gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. It will be guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators and supported by local and regional tailored responses to COVID-19.
Those indicators include: whether any new COVID-19 variants arise, how many people are in hospital and ICU with the illness, and if the Province sees a rapid increase in transmission of the disease.
Under the new proof of vaccination mandate, applicable businesses must ensure each patron who enters their facility provides:
- Proof of identification (government issued photo ID)
- Proof of being fully vaccinated with 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine (plus 2 weeks)
- Proof of a valid exemption (i.e. medical or clinical trial exemption)
“We understand people are tired of these public health measures, but in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and avoid future lockdowns in our community it is imperative we all continue to do our part and stay vigilant,” said Mike Gorgey, Manager of Health Promotion at Lambton Public Health. “LPH has received several complaints from residents over the last few weeks of businesses not being in compliance. The months ahead will require sustained observance in order to avoid unnecessary disruption to people’s everyday lives. Let’s work together to get back to normal as quickly as possible.”
Failure to comply with the proof of vaccination requirements may result in charges under the Reopening Ontario Act. If charged under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act (POA), set fine amounts are $750 for individuals and $1,000 for corporations. Maximum penalties based on a prosecution under Part I or Part II of the POA include fines of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail for an individual; up to $500,000 and up to a year and jail for an individual who is a director or officer of a corporation; and up to $10 million for a corporation.
For the latest updates on Lambton County’s COVID-19 Immunization Rollout or to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment online please visit GetTheVaccine.ca.
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