September 10, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of the JCCC,
In September 2021 the JCCC will begin to reopen in a staged manner, initially for pre-booked tours of the Moriyama Nikkei Heritage Centre and the JCCC Gallery. Please consult the JCCC website or newsletter for details on the reopening plan.
The JCCC approved a mandatory vaccination policy to come into effect in September and we are now adjusting our timing in compliance with the new rules announced by the Province of Ontario. Ontario has regulated that starting September 22nd everyone using indoor facilities such as restaurants, bars, gyms, meeting and event space, indoor sporting events and other facilities is to be fully vaccinated.
The JCCC is committed to the safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, members, tenants, facility users, visitors and community. Our mission, Friendship through Culture depends primarily on programs, events and exhibitions that require gatherings of people at the JCCC. The mission is supported by ancillary streams of revenue generation, primarily event space rental and long term leases with tenants; which also require gathering of people at the JCCC. So in addition to the JCCC’s obligation as an employer to maintain a safe workplace, we are committed to ensuring that the JCCC is also safe for everyone who uses the building, or attends events under the auspices of the JCCC regardless of location.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new and evolving challenge. The JCCC follows current public health guidelines and operational best practices, but we also intend to err on the side of caution for the health and well-being of all visitors.
The JCCC has created a Health Protection Policy that was passed unanimously by the board to guide its’ safe re-opening and will implement the policy effective Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
ALL VISITORS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTIVITIES DELIVERED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE JCCC INSIDE THE JCCC FACILITY.
UNTIL THE PROVINCE’S VACCINE PASSPORT or QR CODE IS RELEASED THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE FORM OF PROOF IS:
- PRINTED or ELECTRONIC COPY OF PROVINCIAL VACCINATION RECEIPT SHOWING TWO VALID DOSES WITH 2ND DOSE ADMINISTERED A MINIMUM OF 14 DAYS PRIOR AND PHOTO ID. YOU CAN ACCESS A COPY OF YOUR VACCINATION RECEIPT BY GOING TO THE PROVINCIAL WEBSITE IN THE LINK BELOW. https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/
- AND VALID PHOTO ID
NOTE – valid provincial vaccination receipts are ‘watermarked’.
Important: you must have your copy on your person each time you visit the JCCC upon entering the building. We are not collecting and keeping your personal information. Unfortunately there are no exceptions to this policy.
This policy applies to:
- JCCC Board of Directors and Advisors
- All JCCC Staff
- Volunteers participating in onsite activity
- Instructors participating in onsite activity
- Class participants participating in onsite activity
- Guests to the building
NOTE: Children who are currently ineligible for a vaccine are only permitted to attend events or classes under the auspices of the JCCC if they attend with a vaccinated adult family member escorting them at all times. Once they are eligible for a vaccine, this policy applies to them without distinction except for the requirement that a parent or guardian must sign a waiver and provide required documentation on the child’s behalf.
Q&A
Q: Where can I access a copy of the Health Protection Policy?
A: The policy is posted on the JCCC website
Q: How will access to the JCCC be monitored beginning September 22nd?
A: There will be one access point for check in at the reception desk. All members and guests will be asked to provide proof of vaccination upon check in. At this time and until the province has developed an electronic QR code, we will only accept a printed or electronic copy of your valid vaccination receipt. It is extremely important that you have this information on your person each time you check in or you will not be allowed access.
Q: What if I have a medical exemption or contraindication?
A: Unfortunately for members and guests, at this time the JCCC will not be in a position to consider the validity of these exemptions. Once valid medical exemptions are integrated as part of the provincial vaccine certificate, we will review this aspect of the policy.
Q: What if I don’t have proof of my vaccination status?
A: A PDF of your vaccination certificate can be downloaded and printed by going to https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/ . This certificate is watermarked to ensure validity.
Q: What if I received a valid full vaccination outside of Ontario?
A: If you received a valid full dose vaccination outside of Ontario and you are an Ontario resident, you must provide valid proof from the country of origin. The Provincial Government is in process of developing tools to ensure verification of fully vaccinated individuals from outside Ontario and/or who were vaccinated outside of Ontario. The JCCC reserves the right to restrict access to any person if validity of vaccination proof is in question. For more information if you were vaccinated outside of Ontario please review the attached link: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID-19_guidance_for_individuals_vaccinated_outside_of_ontario.pdf
Q: Are children under 12 years of age permitted in restricted areas?
A: Yes, under supervision of an adult who must be fully vaccinated.
Q: What about current COVID-19 protocols currently in place?
A: All current protocols will remain in place. They are:
- You must be masked outdoors whenever 2m physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- You must be masked indoors at all times. Masks can only be removed for eating or drinking.
Q: What should I do if I have additional questions?
A: All questions about JCCC guidelines, vaccination requirements or any other related topic should be directed to James Heron, who will respond on a confidential basis.
These remain very challenging times and the implementation of such a protocol will not be easy for Staff and Management. For the safety of all, we will rely heavily on the Membership for respect and full cooperation.
Board of Directors
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre