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1 SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT Mass Gathering and Special Events Operational Plan Requirements & Recommendations Emergency Management Team 2019

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Page 1: Simcoe Muskoka District Health

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SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT

Mass Gathering and Special Events

Operational Plan

Requirements & Recommendations

Emergency Management Team

2019

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__________________________________________________________

Table of Contents Required Programs and Services ......................................................................................... 3

Incident Management ......................................................................................................... 3

Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 ........................................................................................ 4

Smoke-Free + Vape-Free Events ...................................................................................... 5

Safe Food.......................................................................................................................... 6

Safe Water ....................................................................................................................... 6

Drinking Water ........................................................................................................... 6

Recreational Water .................................................................................................... 7

Recommended Programs and Services ............................................................................... 8

Preventing Injuries and Drug or Alcohol Related Health and Safety Concerns .............. 8

Sexual Health ................................................................................................................... 8

Sun Exposure and Hydration ........................................................................................... 8

Healthy Food Choices ...................................................................................................... 9

Personal Service Settings (PSS) ........................................................................................ 9

Appendix 1: No Smoking or Vaping Sign ........................................................................... 10

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The following requirements and recommendations are provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health

Unit (SMDHU) for insertion into operations plans for mass gathering or special events. Use this table as

a guide.

For inquiries regarding this letter and recommendations please contact a member of the SDMHU’s Emergency Management Team, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM NAME, Emergency Management Coordinator (705)721-7520 ext.,XXXX [email protected]

Required Programs and Services

Required program details must be reflected in your operational plan and specific details how the

event will address these areas must be detailed within your plan.

Incident Management ☐

Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 ☐

Safe Food ☐

Safe Water: Drinking and Recreational ☐

Recommended Programs and Services

Preventing Injuries and Drug or Alcohol Related Health and Safety Concerns

Sexual Health ☐

Sun Exposure and Hydration ☐

Healthy Food Choices ☐

Personal Service Settings ☐

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Required Programs and Services

Incident Management Mass gathering events require collaboration and coordination with SMDHU in addition to other stakeholders. Emergency Management Planners will plan for and respond to the event provided some or all of the following are established:

1. On-Site Unified Command – the Emergency Management Team will represent SDMHU to ensure coordination of onsite public health activities, communication, and be a liaison with the health unit and external partners.

2. IMS/EOC Activations (Command and Control Centers) – The command post will serve as a central coordination site for field operations for the duration of the event. This command post will assist with the provision of supplies and resources, coordination with community response partners, and the facilitation of communication.

3. Communication Systems & Planning Cycles – Local communication systems may be activated to facilitate communication with municipalities, community response partners, the health-sector and lead event management organizations. A communication cycle may be used to link in with internal and external partners during the events.

4. Temporary Infrastructure/Temporary Overnight Accommodations – Regulatory compliance of all temporary structures erected to facilitate the management and operations of event and to house persons or property.

5. Coordinated Health Sector Planning – SMDHU will establish a coordinated and integrated communications approach with key health sector partners to ensure information sharing and reportable activities are met.

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Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) came into force on October 17, 2018 and controls smoking of tobacco and/or cannabis and vaping of any substance (including smoking or vaping of recreational or medical cannabis) in enclosed public places and workplaces and certain outdoor settings at event venues. It also controls the sale, display and promotion of tobacco and vapour products (also known as electronic cigarettes) throughout the venue. Smoking of tobacco and/or cannabis and vaping of any substance is prohibited inside all public places and workplaces, including buildings, work vehicles and indoor and outdoor food and/or beverage areas. Tobacco and vapour products cannot be sold to persons under the age of 19. Licensing from the Ministry of Finance for tobacco and compliance inspections from health unit tobacco enforcement is required for tobacco and vapour product sales. Promotion of tobacco products and vapour products is prohibited at places of entertainment in Ontario as per section 5. of the SFOA (2017). Please note: Cannabis sales and promotion, possession, and transportation are enforced by the regulatory compliance branch of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO toll-free number in Ontario: 1-800-522-2876) and local police services. All events will be operated in accordance with the SFOA, 2017. Unscheduled inspections will be conducted by health unit tobacco enforcement staff to assess and monitor compliance. Violators of the following provisions may be charged with fines as set out under the SFOA, 2017 commencing at $305 and can be removed from the event. The following policies will be in place for the event to ensure compliance with the law: • PATIOS/FOOD SERVICE AREAS – Smoking of tobacco and cannabis and vaping of any substance is

prohibited on patios and within nine (9) metres of a patio where food and drink is served including outdoor areas where seating tables are provided for patrons to consume their meal or beverage.

• SIGNS – Event organizers are required to post SFOA, 2017 dual no-smoking/no-vaping signs as required by law throughout the venue at: entrances and exits to all buildings and their washroom facilities including outdoor washrooms; smoke-free outdoor patios serving food and/or beverages; and work vehicles. Signs are available from the health unit.

• BUILDINGS, WORK VEHICLES AND TOILETS – Smoking of tobacco and cannabis and vaping of any substance is prohibited inside buildings, temporary structures that are covered, work vehicles and washrooms (including portable toilets) at the event.

• TOBACCO SALES – Cigarettes and other tobacco products cannot be sold at the event without regulatory compliance with the SFOA, 2017 and the Tobacco Tax Act as enforced by health unit tobacco enforcement and the Ministry of Finance. The sale of cigarettes and tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 19. Two or more convictions for selling tobacco to a minor can result in an automatic prohibition preventing the sale of tobacco at the event.

• VAPOUR PRODUCT SALES – Vapour products cannot be sold at the event without regulatory compliance with the SFOA, 2017 as enforced by health unit tobacco enforcement. The sale of vapour products is prohibited to persons under the age of 19.

• TOBACCO PROMOTION – Tobacco brands and products cannot be promoted or displayed at the event as per section 5. of the SFOA, 2017.

• VAPOUR PRODUCT PROMOTION – Vapour product brands and products cannot be promoted or displayed at the event as per section 5. of the SFOA, 2017.

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• WATERPIPE & HOOKAH USE – The SFOA, 2017 prohibits the use of tobacco in waterpipes and hookahs inside public places.

• CANNABIS SALES, PROMOTION, POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION – Cannabis sales and promotion, possession, and transportation are enforced by the regulatory compliance branch of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO toll-free number in Ontario: 1-800-522-2876) and local police services.

SFOA, 2017 dual smoke-free / vape-free signs are available from the health unit (see sample below). A PDF is also included with this document (see Appendix 1: No Smoking or Vaping Sign).

Smoke-Free + Vape-Free Events Designating special events smoke-free + vape-free demonstrates leadership in public safety and public health. In addition to eliminating the fire-related risks from smoking, exhibitors, volunteers and visitors (including school children) will also be protected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and children and youth will be exposed to positive smoke-free and vape-free role-modelling. Please feel free to adopt the smoke-free + vape-free messaging included below if implementing designated smoking/vaping areas. “For the protection of all visitors and exhibitors (including children, breast-feeding mothers, and persons with impaired lung function) smoking and vaping is permitted in designated areas outside of the smoke-free + vape-free area.”

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Safe Food The event, its operators, and vendors are required to meet the Ontario Food Premises Regulation. Event Organizers shall ensure the following: • The event organizer shall notify SMDHU 60 days prior to the event through submission of the Event

Organizer Application. • Each food vendor, including sponsorship activations etc shall, independently, notify SMDHU of their

intent to prepare and sell food, at least 30 days prior through the submission of the Event Vendor Application.

• All food vending operations shall adhere to municipal licensing, guidelines and Fire Code where applicable.

SMDHU Special Event Application https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/FoodSafety/SpecialEvents In addition, all food service vendors are required to have: • At least one certified food handler on site every hour of operation. • Proof of certification will need to present at the request of the public health inspector. • For more information on how to obtain food handler certification, please visit our website at: https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/HealthUnit/Workplaces/Businesses/FoodOperators/fhcerttraining.aspx

Safe Water

Drinking Water A potable water supply must be available for hand sinks, utility sinks, and any sinks designated for food preparation, cleaning, and disinfection. • The method of distribution of potable water to patrons shall be approved by the SMDHU prior to

the event. • Distribution points shall be in such numbers as deemed necessary by the SMDHU and shall be

accessible, conveniently located to the public and vendors, and clearly identified. • The name and contact information for persons in charge of the water supply for the event are to be

provided to SMDHU at least 15 days prior to the event • The source of the water supply must also be identified 15 days prior to the event. • Free available chlorine (FAC) residuals will be monitored during the event and reported to SMDHU in

accordance with the public health inspectors recommendations when applicable. More specific requirements are as noted below for the following type of drinking water supplies:

a) Regulated Water Systems Regulated water systems must meet the requirements of Ontario Regulation 319 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act or the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and its associated regulations including Regulation 170 and 243 under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Use of the water supply must be approved by the SMDHU prior to the event. If water is provided from a SDWS regulated under Ontario Regulation 319, the operator must demonstrate to SMDHU the requirements set forth within the site specific directive are met (sampling frequencies are in accordance with the directive and as prescribed by the public health inspector for the event).

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b) Water Haulers

If potable water is to be transported to the site: • The names and phone numbers of the water haulers are to be provided to SMDHU prior to the

event. The equipment used by water haulers and • The source of their supply shall be approved by SMDHU prior to the event. • Food grade hoses must be used.

c) Water Haulers

Operators of drinking water bottle filling stations at events: • Shall identify water sources and will be inspected and approved by SMDHU prior the event. • The equipment used by filling stations must be approved by SMDHU prior to the event. • Food grade hoses must be used.

Recreational Water Recreational water facilities and attractions may include but are not limited to the following: pools, spas/hot tubs, splash pads, wading pools, water slide receiving basins, misting stations and dunk tanks. All recreational water facilities and attractions must be supplied with source water that is bacteriologically safe and the overall operation shall be inspected and/or approved by SMDHU prior to the event. Recreational water facilities must meet the requirements of Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools.

Public beaches that are intended for use at events (e.g. triathlons) should also be communicated to SMDHU. SMDHU monitors public beaches during the summer which could affect the event if the public beach is under a swim advisory or beach closure.

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Recommended Programs and Services

Preventing Injuries and Drug or Alcohol Related Health and Safety Concerns The Liquor Licence Act (LLA) regulates the sale and service of alcohol in Ontario and is enforced by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Evidence based alcohol management strategies can support legislation outlined in the LLA, in order to promote health and safety and prevent harm to event participants. These include regulating physical availability of alcohol, controlling affordability, and restrictions on marketing of alcoholic beverages, especially with youth and families. In addition, the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse (CCSA) recently identified promising practice in the area of harm reduction of alcohol and other drug harm at music festivals (2015). In order to reduce the risk of injury and other alcohol and drug related harm, it is recommended an event organizer:

1. Assess event-specific risks of injury and alcohol and other drug related harm.

2. Collaborate with the Ontario Provincial Police and AGCO and others to implement evidence informed harm reduction strategies related to the use of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs (e.g. accessible low or no alcohol beverages, chill zones, free water).

3. Collaborate with others to promote safe environments for all types of transportation to and from the event (including walking, cycling, and motor vehicles).

4. Develop a communication plan with other stakeholders to provide health and safety messages appropriate to the venue and event participants before, during and after the event related to road safety (transportation, parking concerns), injury prevention (slips, trips, and falls); and alcohol, cannabis and other drug use prevention (low risk drinking use guidelines, lower risk cannabis use guideline, AGCO service guidelines, driving under the influence, social violence).

Note: Individuals are legally entitled to carry on their person up to 30g of cannabis for recreational use and the prescribed amounts for medicinal purposes. Event organizers should provide details on how they will monitor to ensure compliance. Smoking of cannabis is allowed wherever smoking is permitted. The event shall not provide cannabis for sale.

Sexual Health It is recommended that event coordinators make available information on where and how to obtain Emergency Contraceptive Pills. Condoms should also be made available for participants. Condoms should be in a location where the integrity of the product is secured and there is no risk of tampering. Condoms should be stored in cool, dry spaces at room or below room temperature. Condoms should not be stored anywhere warmer than 37 degrees or cooler than 0 degrees Celsius. Locations such as medical tent or use of lockable condom dispensers are recommended.

Sun Exposure and Hydration Being in the sun too long can cause sunburns and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Providing sun safe environments is a great way to help event participants reduce the risk of sun burn and skin cancer. It is recommended that event organizers ensure there is natural shade (tree cover) or man-made shade (e.g. shade structures, tents, canopies, shade umbrellas) for protection from the harmful effects of the sun. In addition, event organizers are encouraged to promote sun safe behaviours by providing promotional information/materials to event participants. It is further recommended that event

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organizations provide cooling areas (e.g. Misting stations) and potable water and promote personal hydration by providing promotional information/materials to event participants.

More information regarding sun exposure contact the health unit or visit our website

Healthy Food Choices Dietary risks are one of the three leading risk factors for chronic diseases and account for approximately one third of direct health care costs.

The food environment influences our food and beverage choices, impacting what and how we eat and drink.

Everyone can play a role in creating a healthy food environment in their community. If you are responsible for food and beverages at community events or spaces:

• make drinking water easily available and free of charge • make sure healthy foods are available and widely promoted –such as fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, and plant based proteins • limit the amount of highly processed foods and sugary drinks offered • limit the promotion of less healthy food choices. Make the healthier food choices more

prominent. • consider a pricing strategy that encourages purchasing of healthier menu options.

Contact Health Connection for more information about healthy food choices at special events.

Personal Service Settings (PSS) A personal service setting (PSS) is one where services such as: tattooing, body and ear piercing, hairdressing, barbering, manicures, pedicures, micro-blading, waxing, micro-needling, permanent makeup, tanning and facials are offered. Temporary personal service settings vendors are required to meet the requirements outlined in the Personal Service Setting Regulation. The event organizer shall notify SMDHU 30 days prior to the event through submission of the Event Coordinator Application. Each PSS vendor, including sponsorship activations, shall, independently, notify SMDHU of their intent to offer a personal service, at least 14 days prior to the event through the submission of the Event Vendor Application. All PSS operations shall adhere to municipal licensing, guidelines and Fire Code where applicable. All temporary personal service vendors require SMDHU approval prior to operation or may be ordered to close. Resources can be found at the following location: http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/JFY/Businesses/PersonalServiceSettings/pssoperator/psstemporaryevents.aspx

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Appendix 1: No Smoking or Vaping Sign Sticker is 20x15