“Thanks to the province’s high vaccination rates and the continued sacrifices of Ontarians, we are now in a position where we can move forward in our plan earlier than anticipated

- Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of

Rugby Ontario notified clubs today that the mandatory vaccination policy which has been in place since November 15, 2021 and which required that all participants aged 12 and over to be fully vaccinated to participate in any sanctioned rugby activity in Ontario, has been lifted effective March 1st, 2022.

No longer required: mandatory vaccination.

Still required: masking, daily attestations in SportLoMo, tracking visitors and spectators (e.g., QR code / paper attestation).

This change in policy follows the government of Ontario's move into the next phase of re-opening (see more information here.

At the recent Toronto Dragons AGM, the club voted to support this policy change by Rugby Ontario.

As of March 1st, 2022 Rugby Ontario shall:

Immediately lift the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy for all registered participants;
Replace the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy with a recommendation that all registered participants are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated, which is consistent with the guidance from all levels of government and public health recommendations to prevent the transmission of COVID-19;
Provide Member Clubs & Branches with the autonomy to continue to uphold / enforce a proof of vaccination policy at their discretion;
Require all participants to be vigilant in continuing to conduct a daily self-assessment (Attestation) for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 prior to attending all sanctioned rugby activity, and to follow all remaining public health measures and Rugby Ontario Return to Play protocols; The requirement for daily screening remains a requirement under provincial Regulations;
Require all Member Clubs & Branches and registered participants adhere to all proof of vaccination requirements that remain in place by third-party facility operators, permit offices, businesses or other settings;
Enforce and comply with any third-party proof of vaccination policies in effect from time to time that may require participants of Rugby Ontario facilitated programs / services, including but not limited to specific community events, national and provincial / high performance programs and competitions at certain facilities, training & education courses and out of province / country travel;
Reserve the right to reinstate the mandatory vaccination policy, or any variation of a policy / mandate, at its sole discretion.

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