Major events are making a comeback in Toronto but you’ll need more than just your ticket to be granted entry. Many of the city’s largest venues have announced that proof of COVID-19 vaccination status or proof of a negative test result will be required to attend their events.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) revealed its new protocols on Tuesday, saying that this will be a requirement for all staff and guests starting in mid-September in order to enter MLSE-operated arenas, stadiums, and restaurants, including Scotiabank Arena, Ricoh Coliseum, and BMO Field.
The Toronto Blue Jays announced that starting on September 13th, fans aged 12 and older will be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to be permitted into the Rogers Centre for the remainder of the team’s home games.
#BlueJays announce additional protocols beginning Sept. 13: https://t.co/K4uVeBvocB pic.twitter.com/5WueN8ELfd
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 23, 2021
Also come September, attendees of TIFF will be subject to the same requirements to go to in-person screenings from the 9th to the 18th. These policies are also in place at all of Toronto’s Mirvish theatres, including Ed Mirvish Theatre, Princess of Wales, and Royal Alexandra.
Live Nation, which operates concert halls like History Toronto and Budweiser Stage, has confirmed to The Canadian Press that these measures will go into effect at “as many shows as possible” in Canada and that ticket-holders will get all of the details sent to them via email. BeerFest TO, a beer festival at the end of September, will also make this a requirement for attendees.
Recent Posts
A Paris-inspired ‘secret garden oasis’ just opened in Toronto (PHOTOS)
Dylan Sprouse can’t get enough of this new Ontario cafe & he loves hanging out there
— MLSE PR (@MLSEPR) August 17, 2021
Post-secondary schools like the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and York University have each released their own policies for those returning to campus, student residences, and certain in-person activities.
Students and staff must present proof of vaccination in order to return to campus life, and those who are not vaccinated or don’t wish to disclose their vaccination status will be required to take a COVID-19 test beforehand.
At U of T, for example, those who participate in “high-risk” activities like varsity sports and music education will be required to self-declare their vaccination status, the school states. Those who do not meet the requirements will be sent rapid testing kits, which they must use to screen themselves at home twice a week. They’ll have to present a negative result at least 72 hours before returning to campus.
The government of Ontario has also made vaccination mandatory in other high-risk settings, including retirement homes, women’s shelters, group homes, and some children’s treatment centres. Recently, a Canadian official said that vaccines will be required for all air, train, and cruise passengers in the fall.
