COVID-19 Information and Updates

Book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment online at www.durham.ca/Vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in Durham at www.durham.ca/COVIDVaccines.

The Oshawa COVID-19 vaccination clinic site is accepting appointments. This site is located at 2200 Simcoe Street North in Oshawa. To book an appointment for this clinic, visit covid.vaccine.lh.ca or call 905-721-4828 for assistance to register by phone.

View the Region of Durham's COVID-19 Data Tracker for up-to-date information about COVID-19 cases in Clarington and Durham Region, including the number of confirmed cases by status, age and gender, municipality, time, exposure source and health neighbourhood.

Invest Durham

Local businesses can visit Invest Durham for the latest resources and information regarding government programs, services and supports, federal and provincial financial programs, how to access funds, and employee/employer resources.

COVID-19 Guidance and Advice for Businesses and Organizations

Durham Region Health Department launched an online toolkit with information and resources for businesses and services that are slowly reopening.

Ontario Launches New Supports for Businesses

The Government of Ontario is introducing new supports for many businesses impacted by public health measures as a results of the Omicron variant, including a new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program and a six-month interest- and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes.

COVID-19 vaccine available for children six-months to under five-years old

In line with the recent announcement from the province, Durham Region Health Department will be offering paediatric Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine for children six-months to under five-years old. Appointments for this age group will be held at local immunization clinics. Bookings will be available starting at 8 a.m. on July 28. To book an appointment, visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment. Residents can also receive COVID-19 vaccine at several locations throughout Durham Region including at select health care providers and participating pharmacies.

The COVID-19 paediatric Moderna Spikevax dose for children six-months to under five-years old is administered in a two-dose series. The recommended interval between the two doses is eight weeks (56 days). Children six-months to under five-years old who receive paediatric Moderna Spikevax for their first dose are recommended to receive paediatric Moderna Spikevax for their second dose. While there may be a small risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis with Moderna Spikevax vaccine which has been documented for adolescents and young adults, the associated risks in children six-months to 11-years old is unknown. Parents/guardians who have questions about the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to contact their health care provider.

In addition, starting on July 28, youth 12 to 17-years old who are moderately to severely immunocompromised will be eligible for a second booster dose (fifth dose) of Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine. The interval for a second booster dose for this age group is recommended at 168 days (six months) after the first booster dose (fourth dose). Bookings for second booster doses for this eligibility group will open on July 28 at 8 a.m.

To book an appointment and for clinic locations and hours, please visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or call 1-888-444-5113. Appointments will be required for COVID-19 vaccines for children six months to under five-years old and for immunocompromised individuals 12 to 17-years old at this time. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/COVIDVaccines.

For more information, please contact the Health Department.

Read the COVID-19 announcement on the Region of Durham's website.

Expanded eligibility for COVID-19 second booster doses available for individuals 18-plus

In line with the recent provincial announcement, Durham Region Health Department is now expanding availability for fourth dose (second booster dose) of COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents 18 and older. Eligible residents can now book appointments at community immunization clinics for their second booster dose by visiting durham.ca/vaccineappointment. No walk-ins will be available for second booster doses. Vaccines provided will be Pfizer Comirnaty BioNTech and Moderna Spikevax.

Residents can receive COVID-19 vaccine at several locations throughout Durham Region including at select health care providers, participating pharmacies, and community immunization clinics.

Individuals can receive their second booster dose 140 days (five months) after receiving their first booster dose. However, individuals may choose to receive a second booster dose at a minimum of 84 days (three months) after their first booster dose with informed consent. If you have had a recent COVID-19 infection, it is recommended to wait three months after symptoms started or after testing positive to receive your first or second booster dose.

The following groups are at higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19. It is recommended that these groups receive their first and second booster doses as soon as they become eligible:

• Individuals 60 and older.
• First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members (18 and older).
• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, or elder care lodges, and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services.
• Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Evidence is emerging that vaccine effectiveness against infection and COVID-19 disease decreases with time; booster doses provide an added layer of protection against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19, particularly for individuals who are at higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19,

To book an appointment and for clinic locations and hours, please visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/covidvaccines.

For more information, please contact the Health Department.

Read the Public Service Announcement on the Region of Durham's website.

Clarington asking program participants to check online schedules before visiting community centres

With a rise of community-wide COVID-19 infections across Ontario, the Municipality is also experiencing the impact of this new wave. As a result, we ask our program participants to check the online schedules before coming to a community centre for drop-in swimming, skating, and recreation programs.

We are working to minimize the impact of this latest wave of COVID-19 on our services; however, some programming changes or cancellations may be necessary to accommodate the change in staff availability.

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Clarington’s Municipal Administrative Centre (Town Hall) and all community centres remain open to the public, and access to our essential services remains uninterrupted. 
• Any changes to registered recreation programs and swimming lessons will be communicated directly to participants. 
• Drop-in program cancellations will be posted on our website and social media. 
• We encourage residents to check program schedules before visiting a community centre to avoid disappointment. 
  • View the drop-in swimming schedule. 
  • View the drop-in group fitness schedule.  
  • View the drop-in skating schedule.
  • View the 55+ Active Adults schedule.  
  • For whirlpool and sauna hours, visit www.clarington.net/WhirlpoolSaunaHours. 
• Subscribe to get notified of programming changes and service disruptions at www.clarington.net/Subscribe. 

As always, the safety of our residents and staff remains our top priority. We appreciate your patience and ongoing support.

Respect everyone. The choice to wear a mask is yours to make.

Starting on March 21, the Municipality of Clarington is following the Provincial lead and lifting all mask mandates at our facilities. Our staff and patrons will choose whether they want to wear a mask indoors and how they want to stay safe as we return to a new post-pandemic normal. Please remember to respect people’s personal space. Any harassment or abuse toward a staff member or resident will not be tolerated.

We are also happy to lift the appointment process at the Municipal Administrative Centre. Residents wishing to access services at Town Hall will do so without the need for an appointment on March 21. 

Clarington saunas and whirlpools are set to reopen

Following the regulations set out by Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, Clarington is pleased to announce the staggered reopening of our whirlpools and saunas. As always, your health is our top priority, and we will continue to follow all Provincial Public Health mandates.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Fitness member change room saunas at Courtice Community Complex will reopen tomorrow, Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 7 a.m. These saunas are only available to fitness membership holders.
• The whirlpools and saunas near the pools at Courtice Community Complex and Diane Hamre Recreation Complex will reopen on Friday, March 11, 2022, pending a successful health inspection.
• We encourage residents to check Clarington’s Be Active website for the hours of operation.
• The whirlpool and sauna at Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre will reopen on Saturday, April 2, 2022, pending a successful health inspection.
• Residents and patrons entering the facility must self-screen by reviewing the posted signs at the entrance of each community centre. Do not visit the community centre if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
• Masks are required in the community centre, except when on the pool deck or in the sauna, whirlpool or change room.

We appreciate your patience and ongoing support as we continue our cautious and gradual reopening.

Turning a corner: Clarington to lift COVID-19 facility entry restrictions March 1

Following regulations set out by the Province in its roadmap to reopen, Clarington is lifting more COVID-19 facility entry requirements as we turn the corner and begin to return to regular operations. Starting on March 1, residents and patrons entering a Clarington facility will no longer have to show the enhanced proof of vaccination or fill out the online COVID-19 screening. This is consistent with the Provincial mandate lifting more public health restrictions as public health indicators improve.

As we ensure public safety, residents will still wear a mask indoors (unless you have a medical exemption) and follow all handwashing protocols until further notice. We will be eliminating active screening upon entry. Instead, Clarington will have signage throughout our facilities reminding residents to self-screen for any COVID-19 signs and symptoms. We ask that you assess your health and refrain from coming to a public facility if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. Clarington is excited to turn this corner with our community after a long two years. As always, your health is our top priority, and we will continue to follow all Provincial Public Health mandates.

COVID-19 booster doses now available for Durham Region youth 12 to 17

Durham Region Health Department has now expanded eligibility for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine for youth 12 to 17-years old, as announced by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Individuals 12 to 17-years old will now be able to receive a third dose booster at least 168 days after they received their second dose of a two-dose primary series.

In addition, youth 12 to 17-years old who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are recommended to receive a three-dose primary series and are eligible to receive a fourth dose booster at least 168 days after receiving their third dose. Appointments can be booked at durham.ca/vaccineappointment or by calling 1-888-444-5113. Walk-ins are welcome.

A longer 168-day interval for the booster dose is recommended for this age group. This interval may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis and pericarditis. With informed consent, all individuals 12 to 17-years old may receive a booster dose at a minimum of 84 days after completion of a primary COVID-19 vaccine series.

There are many opportunities for eligible Durham Region residents to receive their first, second or third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including at participating pharmacies, select health care providers and at Durham Region community immunization clinics.

To book an appointment, visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. For a list of clinics and hours of operation or for more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/covidvaccines.

For more information, please contact the Health Department.

Read this press release on the Region of Durham's website.

Town Hall to open for tax payments beginning February 14

Clarington’s Municipal Administrative Centre (Town Hall) will reopen for tax payment services on February 14, 2022. All other services will continue by appointment only. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, we look forward to adding more in-person services and will update residents as this occurs. Clarington will be performing COVID-19 screening for all Town Hall visitors. Unless you have a valid medical exemption, please remember to wear a mask and follow all prevailing Public Health safety precautions while at Town Hall.

To book an appointment, call 905-623-3379 or fill out our form at www.clarington.net/BookAMeeting. Before requesting an in-person appointment, please consider if there is an alternate way to access the service, such as online (www.clarington.net/ePayments), by telephone, or by dropping off a cheque.

COVID-19 relief: Clarington defers tax payments for 60 days without penalty or interest

To ease the financial burden of the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents, the Municipality of Clarington is once again implementing a 60-day deferral of taxes without interest and penalties for qualifying taxpayers.

“This latest round of Public Health measures imposed in January has forced business closures impacting many taxpayers and causing financial hardship, stress and burden. By deferring tax payment for 60 days and waiving penalties, we are offering a small financial reprieve for those taxpayers who need it,” said Trevor Pinn, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer.

The 2022 COVID-19 Tax Deferral Program has been approved for the first six months of the year and revives the program initially approved in 2021. It allows qualifying taxpayers, including business owners, to fill out an application to defer their tax payments without interest and penalties for two months. Clarington has developed an application process for taxpayers to follow requesting to qualify for the Tax Deferral Program. For those that qualify, the February 17 instalment will be deferred to April 18, 2022, while the April 21 instalment will be deferred to June 20, 2022.

Clarington has also re-activated the COVID-19 Monthly Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) plan to assist property owners who have been financially impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The PAP program provides property owners with payment flexibility by allowing taxpayers to spread their taxes over equal monthly payments.

Residents who wish to defer their tax payment or join the PAP program can fill out the online application forms at www.clarington.net/FinancialSupport. For more information on these programs or to determine your monthly PAP amount, contact Taxation Services at 905-623-3379 ext. 2650 or tax@clarington.net.

Limited Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine available at community immunization clinics starting Jan. 26

Durham Region Health Department will be offering a limited number of appointments for Pfizer vaccine for residents 30 and older. Pfizer appointments will be available starting on Jan. 26 at Durham Region community immunization clinics located at Pickering SmartCentres (former Winners location) and at Oshawa Centre (Sears location). Additional Pfizer vaccine appointments between Feb. 1 and Feb. 13 will be made available later this week once vaccine supply is confirmed.

Individuals who have appointments currently scheduled between Jan. 26 and Jan. 31 will continue to be offered Moderna with the option to receive Pfizer vaccine, if preferred. Due to the limited supply of Pfizer vaccine, walk-ins will not be accepted for third doses.

The Health Department reminds residents that both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (mRNA vaccines) provide proven protection against COVID-19. It is safe and effective to receive either mRNA vaccine regardless of which vaccine you received for your previous doses. Emerging evidence shows Moderna may provide enhanced protection against COVID 19 infection, hospitalization, and ICU admission.

There are many options for eligible Durham Region residents to receive their first, second or third dose within the community, including participating pharmacies, health care providers administering COVID-19 vaccines and at Durham Region community immunization clinics.

To book an appointment and for a list of clinics and hours of operation, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Read the full press release on the Region of Durham's website.

Welcome back, Clarington! We are happy to be opening our recreation facilities on Monday, January 31. As outlined in Ontario’s Public Health measures, we will be following a gradual reopening plan. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Anyone 12 years and older will be required to show proof of vaccination and identification. Valid medical exemptions will be accepted. Please note: all participants will need to show a digital or printed copy of their enhanced vaccine certificate and proof of identification. This new certificate is Provincially mandated as of January 4, 2022, and has a unique QR code assigned to each person and lets staff know if you are eligible to enter the facility. You can get this by visiting the provincial website, covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof or by calling 1-833-943-3900. 
• Before entering our facility, please complete the online COVID-19 Self-Screening form in advance or scan the posted QR code at the facility entrance. Screening may also be completed in person with facility staff. 
• We will be operating under 50 per cent capacity indoors.  
• Our concessions will be closed to promote mask-wearing. 
• All patrons will be required to wear a mask indoors unless exercising. Medical exemptions will be recognized. 
• Registration for the winter mini-program session begins January 28. Don’t forget to register. 
• Drop-in activities, including access to the Fitness Centre, will resume as scheduled on Monday, January 31, on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• All memberships will be automatically reactivated with time extensions provided for the duration of the closure. 

Clarington closes recreation facilities as Ontario enters modified Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen

The Municipality of Clarington will close all recreation facilities starting on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, as mandated by the Province under the modified step 2 regulation. Clarington’s recreation facilities will tentatively reopen following the provincially mandated 21-day closure. The date will be determined once Public Health confirms that sport facilities can reopen.

These measures are in place to protect the health and safety of residents and staff as the Omicron variant is driving a surge in COVID-19 cases province-wide and testing hospital capacity. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.

What you need to know

• Clarington is cancelling our current Winter Program session. Full refunds will be automatically issued to all program participants.
• We will create a mini–Winter Program Session that will tentatively start on Saturday, February 5, 2022, pending Public Health restrictions and permissions. Programs in the Mini Winter Session will be tentatively viewable online as of January 21, 2022. Registration will begin on Friday, January 28, 2022, for residents.
• Our no-hassle cancellation policy for memberships is still available. If you opt not to cancel, all memberships will be put on hold, and extensions will be issued for the duration of the closure.

Read the full press release. 

Individuals 30+ will receive Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine beginning December 29

Durham Region Health Department will administer Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for first, second and third doses to individuals 30 and older beginning Dec. 29, until additional supply of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is secured.

On Dec. 21, the province advised the Health Department of a limited supply of Pfizer vaccine across Canada. Pfizer is recommended for individuals 12 to 17-years old for first and second doses and for individuals 18 to 29-years old for first, second and third doses. This recommendation is due to lower reported rates of myocarditis/pericarditis following vaccination with Pfizer as compared to Moderna in this age group. To ensure there is sufficient supply of Pfizer for individuals 12 to 29-years old, the Health Department is preserving its current supply of Pfizer vaccine for this population. Individuals 18 to 29-years old may receive Moderna vaccine upon request, if they provide informed consent. There continues to be enough supply of the paediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children five to 11-years old.

Residents are encouraged to get their third dose as an important protection measure against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. Either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine may be administered as a third dose, regardless of which vaccine individuals received in their primary series. Mixing COVID-19 vaccines is safe, effective and enables residents to benefit from the protection of a booster dose. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines provide strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants and residents are advised to get the vaccine that is available to them first.

Durham Region residents can receive their third dose at participating pharmacies, health care providers administering COVID-19 vaccine and at Durham Region community immunization clinics. The Health Department continues to add appointments as additional sites and staffing resources are secured. For a list of clinics, hours of operation or to book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113. Eligible residents can also visit www.ontario.ca/page/go-vaxx-bus-schedule for information about provincial GO-VAXX mobile clinics.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

• Read this press release on the Region of Durham's website.

Enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code required to enter recreation facilities

Beginning January 4, 2022, anyone 12 years of age and older will need to show a digital or printed copy of their enhanced vaccine certificate and identification to staff before entering a Clarington recreation facility. The certificate provides proof of vaccination using an official QR code unique to each person. It is different from the vaccine receipt given to you after receiving your vaccination.

When staff scan your QR code at the door, it only tells them if you are eligible to enter the facility. It does not allow staff to track or save any of your personal information.

How to get your enhanced vaccine certificate

• Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof and follow the steps.
• Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Don’t have access to the internet or a printer? We can help!

Between December 17 and January 3, bring your green Ontario Health Card and vaccine receipt to a Customer Service Desk at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex or Courtice Community Complex during the hours listed below. Our staff will help you through the process and print off a copy of your certificate for you to keep. Note: If you have a red and white OHIP card, you will need to call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, and they will mail you a copy of your certificate.

Courtice Community Complex and Diane Hamre Recreation Complex:

• Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Holiday hours: The facilities will close at noon on December 24 and 31, and will be closed on December 25, 26, and January 1.

Clarington Public Library:

• Library staff are available at all four branches of the Clarington Public Library to assist and print your enhanced vaccine certificate. Call 905-623-7322 or visit www.clarington-library.on.ca for branch hours.

Thank you for respecting these new rules and our staff, who have the difficult job of enforcing them.

New COVID-19 recreation facility entry requirement: mandatory proof of vaccine and ID for 12+

Expanded eligibility for third doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Appointments opening Dec. 13 for individuals 50+

Durham Region Health Department will be expanding eligibility for third doses of COVID-19 vaccine, as recently announced by the province. Beginning Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. Durham Region residents 50 and older (born in 1971 or earlier) are eligible to receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible individuals can receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a minimum of 168 days after receiving their second dose. Booster doses are being accelerated for this population to provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and its variants.

In addition, on Dec. 2, the Ontario government announced that individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are eligible to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine 56 days after their second dose due to a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Effective immediately, individuals receiving dialysis can be referred to Lakeridge Health by their health care provider. The referral form is available via www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca on the COVID-19 information page.

Also, the Ontario government recommends individuals be re-vaccinated with a new COVID-19 vaccine primary series after receiving:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT)
• Hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) (autologous or allogeneic)
• CAR-T-cell therapy

Re-vaccination of these individuals is recommended due to the loss of immunity following therapy or transplant. Decisions regarding the timing for re-vaccination should be made on a case-by-case basis. Individuals eligible for re-vaccination should consult their medical team for further information.

There are many options for eligible Durham Region residents to receive their third dose, including participating pharmacies, health care providers administering COVID-19 vaccine and at Durham Region community immunization clinics.

Residents 50 and older (born in 1971 or earlier) can begin booking third dose appointments at Durham Region community immunization clinics on Dec. 13. Community immunization clinics are currently open in all area municipalities. Eligible residents can also attend upcoming pop-up and mobile walk-in vaccine clinics to receive their third dose. For a list of clinics, hours of operation or to book an appointment visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Durham Region, visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

View this press release on the Region of Durham's website.

Parents invited to Virtual Town Hall to discuss paediatric COVID-19 vaccine

Durham Region Health Department is inviting area parents and caregivers of children five to 11-years old to attend a virtual town hall to discuss questions and concerns related to the paediatric COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine. The virtual town hall will feature discussion with a panel of local medical and health care professionals to provide parents and caregivers with an opportunity to get first-hand information on local children’s COVID-19 immunization clinics and participate in a question-and-answer session with the panel. Participants will also be able to email questions ahead of the event to potentially be included in the discussion.

• When: Virtual Town Hall for parents on COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11-years old
  Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 – 8 to 9:30 p.m.
• Where: Join online at www.durham.ca/DurhamHealthTownhall
  Submit questions prior to the event at healthtownhall@durham.ca
• Why: An opportunity for parents to discuss questions and concerns regarding the paediatric COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine.

For more information email healthtownhall@durham.ca.

Read the advisory on the Region of Durham's website.

COVID-19 vaccine clinic bookings for children five to 11-years old to open Nov. 23 in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department COVID-19 vaccine clinic appointment bookings for children five to 11-years old will open on November 23. Appointments can be booked at durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or by calling 1-888-444-5113. Appointments will be available starting on November 25.

The paediatric COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine is authorized for children who will be turning five-years old in 2021 (born in 2016) to children who are 11-years old (born in 2010). The vaccine will be administered in two doses eight weeks apart for children to be fully vaccinated. The eight-week interval is optimal for longest lasting protection. The paediatric Pfizer vaccine will be a lower dose that is safe and effective at protecting children five to 11-years old from COVID-19 and the Delta variant. 

Children’s COVID-19 immunization clinics will be available in all area municipalities and will also be held at select school-based clinics by appointment only. For a listing of clinic locations and hours of operation, visit durham.ca/covidvaccines#Children-5-11. Children can also receive vaccine through select pharmacies and health care providers. For more information visit durham.ca/covidvaccines. Older family members or friends will not be able to receive vaccine during clinics designated for children; however, individuals 12-plus can book a separate vaccine appointment at durham.ca/vaccineappointment.

“We understand that parents will have questions about our clinics and the vaccine for their children, and we’re here to help,” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “Information and resources are available on our website to help parents better understand the vaccine and how it will benefit their children, as well as details for parents to prepare their children for vaccination.”

One helpful resource is the CARD tool (https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/CARD_Vaccination_Handout.pdf)  that provides parents with helpful information on discussing the vaccine and clinic experience with their children. The CARD tool, which stands for Comfort, Ask, Relax and Distract, has a number of questions that parents can discuss with their children to help better understand what their child may need, along with tips to help children prepare for their appointment and vaccination.

Clinics for children five to 11-years old are now the priority. Appointments continue to be available on a more limited basis for individuals who are currently eligible for a third dose. Third dose vaccine appointments are still available through area health care providers and local pharmacies. Visit durham.ca/covidvaccines for details. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine for children five to 11-years old, visit durham.ca/covidvaccines#Children-5-11. To book appointments for children, visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment.

Read the information on the Region of Durham website.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments will soon be available for kids five to 11 in Durham Region

COVID-19 vaccine appointments will soon be available for kids five to 11 in Durham Region. Keep checking www.durham.ca/covidvaccines for updates.

Community COVID-19 vaccine clinic hours extended to help get more area residents vaccinated

Durham Region Health Department is encouraging everyone who has not yet received a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to join in the "last mile" push to get vaccinated. To support this, the Health Department is extending clinic hours at Audley Recreation Centre clinic site in Ajax and opening an additional community immunization clinic at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, Clarington.

Starting Monday, Nov. 1, hours at area community immunization clinics will be expanded to help accommodate more walk-in opportunities and appointment bookings. To book an appointment at either clinic, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call the appointment booking line at 1-888-444-5113. Extended hours for these community vaccination clinics are as follows:

Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax

• Nov. 1 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Nov. 2 to 5 - 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 6 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, Clarington

• Nov. 1 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Nov. 2 to 5 - 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 6 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Read the full press release on the Region of Durham's website.

Pre-registration and capacity limits lifted at Clarington Fitness Centre

The Municipality of Clarington is lifting its pre-registration requirements and capacity limits at the Fitness Training Centre in Courtice. Clarington will be returning to normal capacity at the Fitness Centre with no limits starting on Friday, October 29, 2021. As a result, there will be no pre-registration beginning on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. We will honour all pre-registered workout times booked until this Thursday, October 28, 2021.

The Municipality is also launching electronic COVID-19 self-screening on Wednesday, October 27, for those wishing to enter Clarington’s recreation facilities and complete the screening in advance. You can access the COVID-19 Self-Screening online, at the door using the posted QR code, and in person with facility staff.

Clarington staff continue to review the implications of the Provincial ‘Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term,’ and will update any changes for our other programs, starting on November 5.

Clarington to implement enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code on October 22

The Municipality of Clarington would like to inform the community that we will be implementing the use of the enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificates with the QR codes using the Verify Ontario App on October 22, 2021, as announced today by the Province. For now, we will maintain our existing system and ask those entering Clarington recreation facilities to present their vaccine certificates with identification confirming their name and date of birth. We will continue to accept paper copies of the vaccine passports as well as copies saved on a mobile device. We will not have the ability to scan a QR code until we implement a new system on October 22. Thank you for your patience as we work on a new process consistent with today’s announcement and the Provincial mandate. More details on this new process will be released next week.

Read Ontario's announcement.

Clarington to enforce Provincial proof of vaccination and identification rules at recreation facilities and fitness centre

The Municipality of Clarington will require proof of full vaccination and corresponding identification (photo ID or any identification confirming name and date of birth) from members of the public aged 12 and older who want to enter our recreation facilities and fitness centre starting on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. This policy supports the Provincial legislation outlined under the Reopening of Ontario Act for anyone wishing to enter select public settings.

Read the full press release.

Dr. Robert Kyle: Local workplaces are advised to establish a COVID-19 vaccination policy

The Health Department has been working with its community partners since the beginning of the year to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are available to all eligible residents. I am pleased to share that our vaccine coverage rates continue to improve. Approximately 75 per cent of eligible residents are now fully vaccinated, which is certainly helping to protect our community against serious illness spread. I would like to see our vaccine coverage rates continue to improve to protect more of our residents against COVID-19.

One way that employers can help to protect their workers and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission is to establish a workplace vaccination policy. Employers have an obligation to maintain a safe work environment for their workers. Promoting vaccine uptake is important to help reduce COVID-19 workplace outbreaks and build confidence for a safer return to work. Vaccination against COVID-19 is one of the best ways to protect workers who work in a location with common areas and/or where workers can have contact with other workers, customers/patrons, or the public. The Delta variant of the coronavirus is more contagious, with greater risk for severe illness and hospitalization. COVID-19 vaccination provides an important layer of protection for workers, their families, and the community.

Read the full message from Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.

Durham Health expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, including third doses for people most at-risk of illness and youth born in 2009

Durham Region Health Department is updating eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to include third doses for individuals most at-risk of serious illness from the virus. In addition, eligibility is being expanded to include all youth born in 2009, allowing youth that are turning 12 later in 2021 earlier opportunities to be vaccinated.

Read this article on the Durham Region website.