COVID 19 Updates

September 29, 2021 - COVID Restrictions Clarification Follow-up from ARPA -

Two new health orders were just released today to provide further clarification and guidance around the restriction exemption program - see links below.

• Order 44 (Restrictions) - https://open.alberta.ca/publications/cmoh-order-44-2021
• Order 45 (REP) - https://open.alberta.ca/publications/cmoh-order-45-2021
• REP Guidance - https://open.alberta.ca/publications/covid-19-information-requirements-for-restrictions-exemption-program

We can provide some clarity around a couple of the more common queries we had in the survey:

• In regards to youth aged 12-17 within an entity going forward with the restriction exemption program - the youth aged 12-17 do not need to provide proof of vaccination if they are in the facility solely to participate in recreation or sport activities. If they are going to be doing other things (visiting a restaurant, sitting in public areas (e.g. spectator) then then would need to show proof of vaccination or testing
• Adult (18 and older) coaches, officials and other volunteers involved with or supporting an exempt children/youth program under the restriction exemption program (17 and under) do require proof of vaccination or testing

We will continue to try and provide any clarity around guidance specific to recreation, sport and physical activity areas and implementation and operations as needed. Thank you for your patience.

September 22, 2021 - Clarity provided for youth participants in the Provincial Restrictions Exemption Program

As of Monday, September 20, 2021, the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program was applied to City owned and operated recreation and culture facilities.

As a result of continued consultation with provincial government representatives and community stakeholders over the weekend, the following updates have been applied for all City of Lethbridge operated recreation and culture facilities, effective September 21, 2021:

• Youth participants between ages 12-17 that are solely participating in sport, fitness and performance activities or events will not require proof of vaccination, medical exemption or a negative COVID-19 test.
  • Individual sport and recreation organizations may choose stricter vaccination requirements for their participants. Please consult with the activity organizer to confirm
    
• Coaches or volunteers for youth participating in sport, fitness or performance activities can enter the facility to conduct their activity or event-related responsibilities without proof of vaccination, exemption, or negative COVID-19 test.
  
  
• All other vaccine-eligible visitors/spectators, including those aged 12-17, must produce proof of vaccination, medical exemption, or negative COVID-19 test result prior to entering a City of Lethbridge operated recreation and culture facility.

Following the Government of Alberta’s public health guidelines, all visitors must continue to follow indoor mandatory masking requirements and physical distancing guidelines.

The ENMAX Centre has established specific COVID-19 protocols that can be found at www.enmaxcentre.ca. ENMAX Centre will follow the new direction for youth participants. The Helen Schuler Nature Centre will shift to the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program on Tuesday, September 28.

The City of Lethbridge continues to work with its partner operators and user groups on their COVID-19 protocols as provincial public health guidelines continue to evolve. We will continue to support our partner efforts in ensuring all participants and spectators are safe.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and review facility entry requirements before each visit.

For more information about City facilities, visit www.lethbridge.ca/thingstodo.

For the latest information about provincial public health guidelines, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.

September 19, 2021 - Lethbridge Sport Council Restrictions Exemptions Program Procedure - Effective September 20, 2021, the Lethbridge Sport Council implemented the Restriction Exemption Program for general operations, programs, and events in accordance with the Government of Alberta Restriction Exemption Program and City of Lethbridge operated facility guidelines. For full details please review the document HERE.

September 15, 2021 - New vaccine requirements and COVID-19 measures in Alberta - Alberta has declared a state of public health emergency and will implement new health measures to expand capacity, increase vaccination rates and reduce transmission of COVID-19. New temporary health measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 will apply provincewide. This includes new restrictions on restaurants, indoor gatherings, weddings and funerals, retail, entertainment venues, and indoor sport and fitness beginning Sept. 20. Measures in workplaces, indoor private gatherings, places of worship, schools and children’s activities, as well as mandatory masking and physical distancing in all indoor public spaces begin Sept. 16.

The following is an excerpt from the news release for restrictions starting at 8 am September 16.

Children’s sport/performance/recreation (extracurricular sports, performance, recreation and special interest): Indoor activities are permitted, with requirements for two-metre physical distancing and masking where possible, and symptom screening for participants. Youth aged 18 and under are not required to mask or maintain physical distancing during a physical activity, such as a team sport. Spectator attendance is limited to one-third fire code capacity. Attendees must be masked and ensure physical distancing between different households or an individual who lives alone and their two close contacts. There are no restrictions on outdoor activities.

The following is an excerpt from the news release for restrictions starting September 20.

Adult (over 18 years old) sport, fitness, performance, and recreation: Indoor activities: No indoor group classes or activities are permitted. One-on-one training or individual workouts are permitted but three-metre physical distancing is required. No contact between players; indoor competitions are paused except where vaccine exemptions have been granted. These facilities and programs are eligible to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program. Specific exemptions may also be granted on a case-by-case basis. There are no restrictions on outdoor activities.

The September 15th News Release in its entirety can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/release...

September 3, 2021 - New Temporary Measures - The Province of Alberta has implemented a few temporary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including:

1. The province will make masks mandatory for all indoor public spaces and workplaces starting Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. Schools are not required to implement masking but school boards will continue to set COVID-19 management policies as they deem appropriate.
2. Also, as of Sept. 4 at 8 a.m., restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, nightclubs and other licensed establishments will be required to end alcohol service at 10 p.m.
3. In addition, Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person contacts. To support this, the province strongly recommends that unvaccinated Albertans limit their indoor social gatherings to close contacts of only two cohort families up to a maximum of 10 people.
4. It is also recommended that employers pause their plans to have staff return to work and instead continue with work-from-home measures. If employees are working on location, employees must mask for all indoor settings, except in work stations or where two-metre physical distancing or adequate physical barriers are in place.

This impacts City of Lethbridge facilities, which many of you utilize. This is what the city has to say: 'All patrons of the arenas must wear a mask in the arena. For on-ice participants, masks are required to be worn until they dawn their helmets, are ready to go on the ice surface or are using the shower facilities. Masks must be worn by spectators, coaches, trainers, and any other ice level patrons.'
If you'd like to watch the press conference here is the link -->

July 28, 2021 - Adapting COVID-19 measures to support Albertans With strong vaccine uptake, Alberta will gradually bring COVID-19 measures in line with other respiratory viruses to ensure health system capacity for the fall. Full details of this government announcement can be found HERE

July 1, 2021 - Alberta entered Stage 3 on July 1. All public health measures have now been lifted except for isolation/quarantine requirements and masking requirements in health care settings and public transit. To find out details visit the Alberta.ca website.

June 17, 2021 - New guidelines were released today that will impact sports and sport organizations

• STAGE 2 GUIDANCE FOR CAMPS
• STAGE 2 GUIDANCE FOR SPORT, FITNESS AND RECREATION

May 28 Numbers Update - As of May 27, 60.3 percent of eligible Albertans have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of May 28, the number of people hospitalized due to COVID-19 remains above the threshold and sits at 517. With 60 percent of eligible Albertans vaccinated, Stage 2 easing could begin on June 10, subject to hospitalizations being below 500 and trending downwards.

May 26, 2021 - Alberta’s Open For Summer Plan - Alberta’s government will remove provincewide health measures in three stages as vaccine targets are reached and hospitalizations decline.

Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan provides a three-stage road map to lifting health restrictions and safely getting back to normal.

The plan provides Albertans with a clear picture of a summer without restrictions as long as Albertans continue to follow public health measures in the short term and vaccination numbers continue to rise quickly.

Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan includes three stages based on vaccination thresholds and hospitalizations:

• Stage 1: Two weeks after 50 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 800 and declining.
• Stage 2: Two weeks after 60 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 500 and declining.
• Stage 3: Two weeks after 70 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine.

Since Alberta reached the 50 per cent threshold for one-dose vaccination on May 18, and with hospitalizations well below 800, Alberta will enter Stage 1 on June 1. Based on the current pace of vaccinations, Alberta is projected to enter Stage 2 in mid-June and Stage 3 in late June or early July. These are estimates only and rely on all Albertans continuing to drive down our hospitalizations while increasing vaccination numbers.

What does this mean for SPORT?

• Starting June 1, outdoor physical, performance and recreational activities are permitted with up to 10 distanced people, for all ages. Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect.
• In stage 2 (estimated mid-June),
  • Gyms and other indoor fitness open for solo and drop-in activities with three-metre distancing between participants and fitness classes may resume with three-metre distancing.
  • Indoor settings may open with up to one-third of fire code occupancy, including indoor recreation centres. This includes arenas, cinemas, theatres, museums, art galleries and libraries.
  • Indoor and outdoor youth and adult sports resume with no restrictions.
    
• In stage 3 (estimated late June), all restrictions are lifted, including the ban on indoor social gatherings. Isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and some protective measures in continuing care settings remain.

May 4, 2021 - New mandatory health restrictions will help stop the spike of COVID-19 and protect the health system - Some key points impacting sport in communities over the threshold (City of Lethbridge is included). Visit the Alberta COVID page for full details.

April 29, 2021 - Targeted Regional Measures to Bend the Curve - New mandatory measures will address growing COVID-19 cases in hot spot communities across Alberta. Targeted restrictions will apply to municipalities or regions where there are at least 350 cases per 100,000 people and 250 currently active cases (THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE IS AFFECTED BY THESE MEASURES). New measures will apply to junior and senior high schools, and sports and fitness activities in these communities. You can read the full details HERE, or watch the announcement HERE.

April 29, 2021 - Updated Guidance Document for Sport Fitness and Recreation - Please click the accordion below for a summary of the current restrictions impacting SPAR. Click HERE for the document from the Province of Alberta.

April 16, 2021 - Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant - Funding for small- and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 to offset a portion of their costs. APPLICATION INTAKE OPENED April 23rd, 2021.

April 6, 2021 - Enhanced Public Health Measures - On Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 the Government of Alberta announced that updated mandatory health measures go into effect for retail, fitness and performance activities. Learn more HERE.

March 10, 2021 - Town Hall Recording - ARPA, in collaboration with the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Branch with Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women hosted a Town Hall with Alberta Health representatives to help provide clarification and to answer any questions on the new measures of Step 2 of the Path Forward. Step 2 has eased restrictions for fitness-related activities in fitness facilities and recreation centres; sport, physical activity and recreation organizations should continue to follow the Guidance for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation as group or unsupervised training for adult sport is not permitted under Step 2. Watch the recording HERE

March 8, 2021 - Alberta moves into full Step 2 of Path Forward - Completing Step 2 of Alberta’s Path Forward, updated health measures are now in place for retail, hotels and community halls, performance groups, and youth sports, performance and recreation. They are in addition to the Step 2 measures announced on March 1, as pressure eases on the health system and hospitalizations remain well below 450. Read more HERE

March 1, 2021 - Targeted COVID-19 restrictions easing under Step 2 - Alberta will move cautiously to Step 2 of the four-step framework to ease restrictions while maintaining strong measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 provincewide. Effective immediately, updated health measures are in place for indoor fitness and libraries as pressure eases on the health system and hospitalizations remain well below 450.

STEP 1 CHANGES - CHILDREN'S SPORT AND PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES - POSTED ON ALBERTA.CA FEBRUARY 6, 2021 - Beginning February 8, Step 1 changes come into effect. Click on the link and scroll down the page to "Step 1 changes", click on "Children's sport and performance activities".

EASE OF HEALTH MEASURES STEPS AND BENCHMARKS - January 29, 2021 - The Government of Alberta introduced our 'Path Forward' which is the roadmap of how restrictions may be eased over the coming months. Step 1 changes come into effect February 8. All other restrictions remain in effect. Additional Info for Sport

STABILIZE PROGRAM - January 28, 2021 - One-time operational funding for rodeos, sports, arts, and other venue-based groups to help stabilize Alberta's live experience sector.

SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE RELAUNCH GRANT - January 28, 2021 - Funding for small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 to offset a portion of their costs. Businesses, cooperatives and non-profit organizations that were ordered to close or curtail operations as a result of public health orders issued by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health may be eligible. Applicants will be required to demonstrate a revenue reduction of at least 30% in April and/or May 2020 as a result of COVID-19 public health orders.

PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS UPDATE January 21, 2021 - No additional measures/restrictions are being eased at this time.

PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED UNTIL JANUARY 21, 2020 - On January 7th the Government of Alberta announced that current COVID 19 restrictions will remain in effect until January 21, 2020. The Lethbridge Sport Council office will remain closed until the end of January, but staff are working remotely and can be reached via email. Roving Gyms and Community Room bookings remain suspended at this time.

NEW PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS ANNOUNCED DEC 8, 2020 - New mandatory restrictions apply province-wide and will remain in effect until at least January 12, 2021. Full details HERE.

LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL CHANGES TO SERVICES (December 9, 2020) Effective December 13, 2020 bookings will not be accepted for the Lethbridge Sport Council Community Room until further notice. Our office is closed until January 12, 2021. Staff are available via email and phone until December 18. LSC is closed for the holiday season from December 19 until January 3. Click HERE for contact information for all staff.

LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL CHANGES TO SERVICES (November 27, 2020) Effective immediately all Roving Gyms are canceled for the remainder of 2020. We will provide updates here regarding 2021 programming when we can. Read more HERE. Effective immediately the maximum capacity for the Community Room is 10 persons. Read more HERE.

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES UPDATE - NOVEMBER 24, 2020: Alberta’s government is declaring a state of public health emergency and putting aggressive measures in place to protect the health system and reduce the rising spread of COVID-19 cases. For complete details go here. https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

CITY OF LETHBRIDGE UPDATE - NOVEMBER 13, 2020 - Following new public health measures announced by the Government of Alberta on Nov. 12, the City’s recreation facilities have temporarily modified operations to limit public contact and minimize the risk of the transmission of COVID-19.
https://www.lethbridge.ca/News...

ALBERTA ANNOUNCES TARGETED MEASURES IN EFFECT FROM NOV 13-27 - New public health measures are in place in communities across Alberta to protect the health system and limit the spread of COVID-19. Lethbridge is included in these measures. Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/enhance...

NOVEMBER 12, 2020 - CMOH ORDER 37-2020 - This is a link to the health order in its entirety. - This order has been rescinded and replaced effective November 27

EVENTS DURING COVID-19 - Use the AHS Guidelines to help plan a safe public or private event. The page contains pre- and post- event checklists and more. All event organizers should be aware of the risks, take proactive steps to ensure all public health guidance is in place to reduce risk, and know their obligations ahead of time.

UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR SPORT, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RECREATION - On October 15, 2020, Alberta Health updated and released both the standard SPAR Guidance and new Guidance specific to Junior, Collegiate and University Leagues.

MEMO TO ASAA MEMBER SCHOOLS - (RE: School Sports) And update about Cohorts, Competition and Membership Fees - September 9, 2020.

GUIDANCE FOR SPORT, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RECREATION – STAGE 2 (Updated September 3) - Additional documents for specific sport and recreation sectors can be found on the Government of Alberta website

SAFE RETURN TO COMMUNITY SPORT - A TRUE SPORT GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS - Use this guide to help navigate your child’s return to sport amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep in mind that certified coaches, the rule of two, background checks and safe sport practices are foundational to a good sport experience. Ensure
your club or association is sanctioned and is compliant with their provincial and national governing bodies.

THE SPORT PARTICIPATION SUPPORT PROGRAM provides financial assistance to not-for-profit organizations towards the development and operation of projects or programs that increase sport opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteer leaders from underrepresented and marginalized populations.

COVID-19 RE­STRIC­TIONS IM­PACT SPORTS AC­TIV­ITY, PAR­TIC­I­PA­TION - August 18, 2020 - A summary of the findings of a survey of local families

PIVOT ONLINE: A TOOLKIT FOR ARTISTS AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS - August 4, 2020

CANADA'S NATIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION PLAN FOR SAFE RETURN - August 4, 2020

OUTDOOR ROVING GYMS BEGIN JULY 21 - Updated July 21, 2020

COVID-19 Community Room Protocols - Updated July 7, 2020

GATHERING RESTRICTIONS - Updated June 30, 2020

COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL developed by Sport Calgary, in partnership with Spark Safety Solutions, designed to help organizations inform the development of procedures for a safer return to sport.

CHANGES TO PROVINCIAL CIP FUNDING GRANTS - May 15, 2020

RETURN TO SPORT AND ACTIVITY - UPDATES FROM LOCAL SPORT ORGANIZATIONS This document is for families interested in returning to sport. May 15, 2020 (Updated frequently)

PREPARING TO RETURN TO SPORT AND ACTIVITY This document is a resource for local sport, physical activity and recreation organizations, May 14, 2020 (Updated frequently)

LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL COVID-19 CHECK-IN SURVEY This survey remains open for Lethbridge sport organizations to complete. Contact Susan Eymann to request a link. May 10, 2020.

ACTIVE GIRLS @ HOME With the cancellation of our annual Fast and Female Champ Chat due to the COVID-19 Pandemic we wanted to support the women and girls of our community. In this blog, you will find Fast and Female activities, local resources, at home online workouts, and podcasts for women. May 10, 2020.

SPORT TRAINING @ HOME LSC has compiled a list of local, provincial, and national sports organizations and businesses that are offering quality online sport training resources. May 8, 2020.

TRADITIONAL GAMES and Dance @ HOME - Traditional game & dance to try from home that will work on your little one's physical literacy skills. April 22, 2020

FINANCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH COVID-19 Including government subsidies and announcements, webinars and resources, and grants.

2020 SOUTHERN ALBERTA SUMMER GAMES CANCELLED Terra Petryshyn, Chair of the Southern Alberta Recreation Association released a statement on April 2, 2020.

LETHBRIDGE 2020 ALBERTA SUMMER GAMES POSTPONED Rick Blakeley, President of the Lethbridge 2020 Alberta Summer Games Society released a statement on April 2, 2020.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING @ HOME To support our Sport Organization Member Board of Directors and coaches, we have compiled a list of sport and related online education and training courses, webinars, and workshops that are free or low cost. March 26, 2020.

2020 ALBERTA SUMMER GAMES UPDATE FROM THE PRESIDENT - Rick Blakeley, President of the Lethbridge 2020 Alberta Summer Games Society released a statement on March 26th, 2020

CITY OF LETHBRIDGE - City parks update related to COVID-19 - In an effort to limit exposure and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the following park's amenities are closed until further notice: playground equipment, benches, picnic shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, washrooms. fitness equipment. skateboard parks. This closure focuses on areas that have multiple touchpoints or bring crowds of people. Activities like 1-on-1 basketball, soccer, frisbee or throwing a ball is still permitted with members of your household if you maintain proper social distancing.

ACTIVE @ HOME THROUGH ACTIVE RECREATION AND SPORT - Families are looking for ways to stay active at home, in their neighbourhood, and other locations that enable social distancing. To help them, the Lethbridge Sport Council has compiled a list of local organizations and businesses (and non-local related organizations) who are offering active living, active recreation and sport opportunities in alternate ways such as providing on-line resources, Facebook Live or YouTube videos. March 23, 2020.

MARCH 13 COVID UPDATE - This news story addresses Lethbridge Sport Council programs and events up to March 27, 2020. Updates following that date will appear on this page.