Starting Monday, proof of COVID-19 vaccination needed in region's museums and to access parts of libraries

Starting on Monday, people accessing non-essential services in Region of Waterloo buildings will need to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination and personal identification.

Proof will be needed to enter museums,public spaces within regional buildingsincluding meeting spaces and to access some library services.

Proof of vaccination will not be required for library patrons who are going in to browse bookshelves or use the computers.

People can provide proof by showing their vaccine receipt or using the provincial system, which is expected to be fully operational this week.

Those with exemptions will need to provide written proof. People under the age of 12 do not need to provide proof of vaccination.

Even after providing proof of vaccination, people will still need to wear masks and continue physical distancing within buildings, the region said.

"This requirement is being put in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and to encourage eligible residents who are unvaccinated to obtain a vaccine," the region said in a release.

As of Friday, the region's vaccination dashboard showed 90.12 per cent of people aged 12 and older had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while 85.92 per cent had both doses.

The region said approximately 10,000 people are currently eligible for their second dose.