Blue Jays new acquisition Whit Merrifield says he is vaccinated

Toronto Blue Jays' trade deadline acquisition Whit Merrifield says he has been vaccinated, and indicates that he won't miss any time playing in Rogers Centre due to his vaccine status.

New Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield says he is now vaccinated and will travel with the team to Toronto next Thursday.

Merrifield, acquired by the Blue Jays in a deal with the Kansas City Royals prior to the trade deadline on Tuesday, met his new team and talked to reporters on Thursday before Toronto opened a series in Minnesota against the Twins.

When Kansas City came to Toronto from July 14-17, Merrifield was one of 10 players who did not make the trip, barred from travelling to Canada due to restrictions put in place that mandate cross-border travellers be vaccinated to enter the country. America has a similar policy for non-residents, though it has not impacted the Blue Jays, as all their 2022 players had received the requisite COVID-19 vaccine before the deadline.

In order for Merrifield to satisfy the country’s requirements as a fully vaccinated traveller, he must have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted for travel, according to the government of Canada’s most recent advisory, or at least one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Whichever vaccination regimen is opted for, a person must have received their second dose — or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — at least 14 calendar days before entering Canada. This timing requirement only applies to a person’s second dose, not their third or fourth doses.

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