Vaccination policy information

* All patrons of the Kamloops YMCA ages 12+ must be fully immunized (2 doses) against Covid 19 to enter and utilize our facilities. 

March 10, 2022

Dr. Henry announced this afternoon that as of tomorrow (March 11, 12:01am) masks will now be optional within indoor public settings. Our Kamloops YMCA-YWCA facilities will follow the direction of Public Health and therefore masks will no longer be required, but rather optional beginning tomorrow. We do encourage anyone who would like to continue wearing a mask for their own comfort, to continue to do so. Please be respectful of others comfort levels and continue to keep yourself and others healthy by staying home if you are unwell.

It was also announced that the Province intends to lift the Proof of Vaccination requirement on April 8. We will continue to require anyone entering our facility to show proof of full vaccination until that time when the PHO is formally lifted.

As per the announcement made by Provincial Health on Oct 12, 2021 the BC public mask mandate for all indoor public spaces has now been expanded to include children five and older. This extends to all Kamloops YMCA-YWCA facilities and programs. Masks must be worn in all common areas but may be removed while engaged in physical activity. Further details surrounding the Provincial Mask Order can be found here.

NEW PROvincial Health Order to require proof of vaccination beginning September 13, 2021

As per the new Provincial Health Order, beginning September 13, 2021, patrons 12 years and older must be able to provide proof of a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter any Y facility or participate in any in-person Y program,  including Y programs at locations other than the Y (ie Mother Goose in schools). Vaccine status will not be required for essential services provided by the Y Women’s Shelter and After School Care program. Proof of a second dose, or fully vaccinated status, must be provided by October 24. This includes parents or guardians of children under 12 years who may be accompanying their child while participating in any YMCA programs, swim lessons and CCRR/Early Years Centre programs.  

The Province's official vaccine card is now available digitally through the health gateway website, or a paper copy can be obtained by calling the BC Services Centre support line at 1-833-838-2323 or visiting a BC Services Centre. As there is some delay anticipated in the issuing of the official vaccine card, photo ID and the vaccination record provided at the time of immunization will be accepted until Sept 27. After Sept 27 only the official Provincial Vaccine Card will be accepted.
 
Members may provide proof of vaccine to the Member Services desk. Vaccination status will be noted on your account as one dose or two. For those currently with only one dose, proof of a second dose will be required before the Provincial Oct 24 deadline.

As per current Interior Health restrictions updated on September 16th, the following COVID-19 safety practices have been updated to the following:

• Pre-registration for use of the gym, fitness centre and recreational swimming is no longer required.

• Pre-registration for dry land group fitness classes, aqua fitness classes and lap lanes will remain available but is not mandatory.

• Low intensity fitness class size will increase to normal capacity.

• High intensity fitness classes will resume at normal capacity for those who are fully vaccinated (two doses). An updated schedule including high intensity classes is available on our website.

• Masks must continue to be worn in the common areas of the facility but may be removed while exercising.

• Proof of vaccination must be shown by all facility users 12+, minimum one dose Sept 13-Oct 23, fully vaccinated (two doses) by Oct 24. Details surrounding the BC Vaccine Card Order and proof of vaccination can be found on the BC Provincial Restrictions website.

We are working hard to make this process as smooth as possible. Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we navigate this challenging time together.

FAQs

Q. Why is this policy being implemented?

Q. Will vaccines also be mandatory for Kamloops YMCA-YWCA staff and volunteers?

A. Yes, as per the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA Vaccination policy all staff, volunteers and contractors will be required to provide proof of vaccination to the HR department following the same timeline as the Provincial Order.

Q. Will access to the Women’s shelter and other YWCA violence prevention services be limited to those with vaccination?
A. No, Shelter and violence prevention services are considered an essential service and will not require vaccination to receive support.

Q. Will this impact children attending Y After School Care programs?
A. No, After School Care programs are an essential services and will not impact families registered in these programs. Parents will continue to drop off and pick up children outside of the Y facilities, just as they have been throughout the pandemic.

Q. Will this impact children attending Y Swim Lessons or other recreational activities?
A. Children under the age of 12 are exempt. Children 12 and over must provide proof of vaccination to participate in Y Swim lessons or any other in person recreational activity. Parents or guardians accompanying children to activities within a Y facility, such as swim lessons must show proof of vaccination. Children 10 & 11 years old may access the pool without a parent present. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a responsible guardian (with proof of vaccine) who is 16 years of age or older.

Q. What does this mean for other COVID procedures?
A. The Kamloops YMCA-YWCA will closely monitor these requirements and make any adjustments as they come. We are made aware of these requirements and any changes at the same time as the public, we often need a day or two to make adjustments but we can assure you we are paying attention and adjusting as quickly as we can. Keep watching for member newsletters, special announcements and check our website for the most up to date information.