One major change is that, effective Tuesday, October 5th (today), your government-issued Proof of Vaccination (aka Immunization Record aka “PEIVaxPass”) and photo ID will be required upon entry to the Club for those age 12 and over. Proof of Vaccination is the sheet of paper with dates and vaccine type that you may have gotten with your vaccinations, or a Proof of Vaccination email you can request from the PEI Government (and either print out or save on your smartphone) by going to the following internet address: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/covid-19-immunization-record
If you did not provide a health card number or phone number at the time of vaccination, or do not have a health card, email vaxrecord@gov.pe.ca to request a copy of your immunization (please include your full name and daytime phone number) or call the COVID-19 Immunization Program toll-free at 1-844-975-3303.
The Club procedure (as to what you can expect) for checking ID and vaccinations will be announced soon, and the revised Return to Play guidelines, to include the vaccination and ID requirements, will be posted on our website before curling begins for the season.
While the Board of Directors and Return To Play Committee had hoped to start the season with lockers available (with some guidelines ) to members, the Club has decided to hold back on opening the lockers for now and will re-visit this in the future.
The Board of Directors, Return To Play Committee, and Club management and staff appreciate the understanding of curlers as we continue to move through these unusual times. We are looking forward to another great season of curling!
Here is a letter to our members from our Return To Play chair Peter Murdoch, which has been reviewed and supported by Club President Shauna McGill, and provides further explanation:
To: Cornwall Curling Club Members – 2021/2022 Season
4 October 2021
When you enter the Club this season you will notice that a majority of the COVID-19 guidelines that were in place at the conclusion of last season remain in place. Masks/face coverings are mandated, the same seating plan and traffic flow will be used and Locker rooms will remain off-limits. Entry and exit from the Club will continue to be through the West doors (by the playground) only (except in emergency situations). As was the case last season, our overriding focus is the health and safety of you our valued members. We ask that everyone continue to be patient and respectful of each other as we launch this new season.
The major difference at the commencement of the 2021/2022 season will be the Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) requirement to verify Proof of Vaccination. This requirement is hoped to be a temporary measure until the risk of COVID-19 to PEI residents is reduced. Under this initiative, which commences October 5, 2021, some businesses, services and events are required to verify a person’s proof of vaccination in order to enter their venue or setting. This applies to individuals who are 12 years of age or older. Verification will consist of providing proof of vaccination.
The Cornwall Curling Club is one of the organizations mandated to implement this requirement.
Excerpts from the PEI CPHO Directive:
Where Proof Of Vaccination Is Required
Sporting Events*, and spectators at Youth sporting events
*Does not apply to individuals 18 years old or younger participating in Youth sport (spectators must be vaccinated).
If a sport includes participants both under age 19 and over age 19, proof of vaccination is required for all participants.
Medical Exemptions
A medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination for Island residents may be granted for extremely rare circumstances. Island residents claiming a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination will be required to have a Medical Exemption Letter from PEI’s Chief Public Health Office to access businesses, services and events where proof of vaccination is required.
Substitute letters or health care provider notes claiming medical exemption will not be accepted.
Medical exemption letters or health care provider notes from other provinces, territories or countries will not be accepted.
The Cornwall Curling Club strives to offer you a safe environment in which to curl and as the PEI CPHO revises their guidelines, the Cornwall Curling Club will also revise our guidelines and Operational Plans. We will continue to keep you updated throughout this ever-changing situation.
Peter Murdoch
Cornwall Curling Club
Return To Play Chair