Vaccine Passports begin September 22nd

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings beginning September 22, 2021. 

Individuals attending movement based services in person at Spine Stretch Studio will have to provide proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access these services. These services include:

• Group Mat Pilates classes
• Group Reformer Pilates classes
• Private and semi-private Pilates sessions
• ELDOA classes

The vaccination passport program does NOT apply to essential services. We offer many different services within our studio, therefore proof of vaccination will not be required to access the following services:

• Acupuncture services
• Naturopathy services
• Osteopathy services
• Registered Massage Therapy services
• Movement therapy sessions provided by Regulated Health Care Practitioners

The vaccination passport program does not apply to employees of the designated facilities. Additionally, individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note. Therefore we cannot guarantee that all individuals within our facility will be fully vaccinated. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prevents disclosure of health information to unauthorized people without the individuals permission. We are unable to disclose to any client if individuals in the facility are vaccinated or unvaccinated.

We are a health care facility and have many clients, as well as staff, who are immunocompromised and/or taking care of loved ones who are. Some of these individuals (members and non-members) are not able to receive the vaccine due to their health conditions. Because of this, we’ve made the decision to continue to make masks mandatory in the studio for the interim. Some staff members would not be able to be in the studio if there were others in attendance without the use of PPE. Without them and you, we would not be able to open. Everyone’s health and safety is our utmost priority.

To ensure the Spine Stretch Team continues to be healthy and safe we have also joined The Provincial Antigen Screening Program (PASP). Our team will preform weekly Rapid antigen testing as an additional screening method that can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

How to Provide Proof of Vaccination

As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities: Sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport. 

At a boutique studio like ours where our members are identified upon entry, we feel that a one-time check is sufficient. Once we have verified that you are fully vaccinated, we will make a note on your account in our system and you will not be required to show this again.

You can help us avoid delays after September 22 by showing your proof of vaccination (ie. vaccination receipt) and photo ID to our front desk over the next few weeks either before or after you attend class. If you prefer, you can also email us a copy of your proof of 2nd dose vaccine and photo ID to info@spinestretchstudio.com.

Please be patient with us over the next few weeks as we implement these new policies. It is recommended to arrive a few minutes early to avoid delaying classes and appointments.

What If I Am Not Fully Vaccinated?

The Ontario government defines “fully vaccinated” as 2 weeks after receiving the second dose of one of the government approved COVID-19 vaccines. If you do not meet these requirements, unfortunately as of September 22 we are no longer able to provide access to the in-studio movement-based services listed above. However, we will continue to support you with as many online services as possible, including live and recorded virtual classes and private virtual training.

If you are utilizing one of the essential services listed above, you will not be required to provide proof of vaccination.

We are here for you

While we may not all share the same perspective regarding this new mandate, we are not alone in the changes we are required to make. We trust that everyone will respect this new policy. To keep the studio a safe and positive space for everyone we kindly ask that discussions regarding this policy be kept out of the studio.

We will continue to support your health and wellbeing in the safest and best way possible. We are so grateful to be a part of have a loving and understanding community. The strength and growth within you gives us the determination to show up each and everyday.

Yours in health,

The Spine Stretch Team

Author: Lisa Bender

Lisa Bender, studio director, is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Registered Massage Therapist and STOTT® Certified Pilates Instructor. Lisa believes that optimal health begins with intelligent exercise and unifying body and physiological function.