County to require proof of vaccination at Museum and Archives, all libraries

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Starting Sept. 27, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter all Wellington County libraries and the Museum and Archives in Aboyne.

“With cases of COVID-19 rising in Wellington County and across the province, we must do everything we possibly can to ensure the health and safety of the public we serve and our employees,” stated Warden Kelly Linton in a Sept. 23 press release.

“The Delta variant poses a significant risk to those who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of 12. Proof of a COVID vaccination will be another layer of protection for children under 12 and those who are unable to be vaccinated.”

As of Monday, patrons aged 12 and older wanting to enter libraries and the museum and archives must have an electronic or hard copy receipt confirming two vaccine doses have been received – the second at least 14 days prior.

Patrons must also show one of the following pieces of valid identification: driver’s licence, health card, passport or birth certificate.

“Valid medical exemptions from a qualified physician will be accommodated,” officials stated in the press release.

In addition to proof of vaccination, anyone entering the libraries or museum and archives must also:

  • pass COVID-19 screening;
  • wear a mask at all times (ages 2+);
  • complete contact tracing information; and
  • maintain physical distancing from people outside of their immediate household.

“I applaud the continuing steps Wellington County is taking to protect residents from COVID-19,” stated Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

“Expanding the locations where vaccines are required adds additional layers of safety for residents and helps us continue to return to more normal activities.”

County officials stress that all patrons, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, can still access library resources online and/or reserve items for curbside pick-up.

For more information contact local branches or visit www.wellington.ca/library or www.wellington.ca/museum.