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COVID 19 Updates

COVID-19 has impacted most sport organizations and programs. Here are the latest updates.

On this page you can find a link to our response to COVID-19, and the updates and resources we have compiled as a result.

Our office is CLOSED until further notice. Staff are available via email and phone.

Click HERE for contact info for all staff.

Please note the most recent updates will be added to the TOP of this page.

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

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):

  • Indoor fitness – Effective May 5
    • All indoor fitness must close, including for one-on-one training.
  • Working from home – Effective May 5
    • Working from home remains mandatory unless the employer requires the employee's physical presence to operate effectively.
    • Where at work for operational effectiveness, employees must mask for all indoor settings, except in work stations or where two-metre physical distancing or adequate physical barriers are in place.
  • Sports, performance and recreation – Effective at 11:59 pm on May 9
    • All outdoor sports and recreation are now prohibited except with members of your household or, if living alone, two close contacts. This is a decrease from the current limit of 10 people.
    • This includes:
      • all group physical activities, such as team sports, fitness classes, training sessions
      • all one-on-one lessons and training activities
      • all practices, training and games
    • All indoor sport and recreation is prohibited, including youth sports.
    • All indoor performance activity is prohibited, including youth performances.
    • Professional sport organizations that have received an exemption can continue, provided protocols are strictly followed.

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.

Updated Guidance Document for Sport Fitness and Recreation - UPDATED APRIL 29, 2021

Guidance applicable to all sport, fitness, and recreation

  • For sport, fitness, and recreation:
  • “youth” is defined as individuals 18 years old and younger.
  • “adult” is defined as individuals 19 years old and older.
  • For sport, “varsity” means athletes involved in a sport for which the eligibility requirements for participation are established by a national association for the regulation of intercollegiate athletics, or which is designated as a varsity sport program by a post-secondary institution.
  • No drop-in sport, fitness and recreation is permitted at this time.
  • Appointments or pre-activity sign-up is required.
  • For any group of youths doing sport, fitness, or recreation, up to 2 additional adults may attend to provide safety and security to that group.
  • These chaperoning adults must stay 3 metres away from the participants and not participate in the activity.
  • In the event a parent has to provide direct support for a child during training (e.g., swimming lessons, sport ball), the parent counts as a participant.
  • No spectators or audiences can attend a permitted indoor sport, fitness, or recreation activity.
  • Up to 10 spectators can attend a permitted outdoor sport, fitness, or recreation activity so long as individuals stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of their household.
  • Operators should ask all attendees, including participants, parents, instructors and chaperones to check themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 using the Alberta Health Daily Checklist before attending the facility or activity.
  • To support public health contact tracing efforts in the event that an attendee tests positive or an outbreak is identified, operators/coaches should collect the names and contact information for all attendees.
  • Organizers must advise participants to avoid the following high-risk activities:
  • Spitting and clearing their nasal passages during activities.
  • Celebratory gestures or customs (e.g.,handshakes, high-fives, fist bumps, chest bumps) that bring attendees within 3 metres or promote physical contact.


Shared Equipment and Materials

  • Organizers should ask participants to bring their own equipment/materials, where feasible.
  • Participant-owned equipment/materials must be clean and sanitary at the point of use/play.
  • If the organizer is providing equipment or materials, they should minimize the shared use of equipment/materials, and, if possible, assign specific equipment/materials to each attendee.
  • For sports/activities that require shared equipment to be handled (e.g., shared baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs, gymnastics equipment etc.), participants need to perform hand hygiene before and after the activity.
  • Organizers must clean and disinfect any shared equipment/materials between uses.
  • Kayaks, canoes, bicycles, golf carts and other recreational vehicles should only be used by one individual or members of one household at a time, and must be cleaned and sanitized before they are used by a another household.
  • Organizers must discontinue the use of equipment/materials that are in disrepair, as these items cannot be effectively sanitized.


Sport

  • All participants in group youth sport play must maintain physical distance while doing so (3 metres indoors; 2 metres outdoors).
  • This includes the coach/instructor/trainer.
  • Training for youth sports must be altered/modified to ensure distancing between participants at all times (e.g., training for soccer, floor hockey, football).
  • Indoor
  • Youth may engage in training/practice for sport of any intensity in groups of up to 10 (including coaches/trainers) so long as 3 metres’ distance can be maintained between participants and between groups.
  • Athletes of any age who belong to a varsity sports team can practice their sport at any level of intensity in groups of up to 10 (includes coaches/trainers) so long as 3 metres’ distance can be maintained between participants and between groups.
  • More than one group of youth or varsity sports team can occupy an indoor playing surface at a time (for example, arenas, fields, courts or pools), so long as they can maintain the required physical distancing between groups and individuals within the groups (3 metres indoors; 2 metres outdoors).
  • All Albertans can engage in one-on-one or one-to-household sport training, with 3 metres’ distance between the coach/trainer/instructor and client.
  • No indoor group adult sport is permitted at this time.
  • Outdoor
  • All Albertans can practice sport of any intensity in groups of up to 10 (including coaches/trainers) so long as 2 metres’ distance can be maintained between participants and between groups.
  • 2 meters’ physical distance must be maintained at all times between all between groups (e.g. two groups sharing a soccer pitch).

Facilities/Venues

  • General
  • Capacity will be unique to each facility and set by the operator with consideration for the maximum number of participants that can be in the venue at one time with 3 metres of physical distancing maintained between all individuals while engaging in activity, and the ability to maintain and control entrances, exits, washrooms and change rooms.
  • More than one youth group can occupy an indoor space at a time (e.g., arenas, fields, courts or pools) at a time, so long as they can maintain the required physical distancing between groups and individuals within the groups (3 metres indoors; 2 metres outdoors).
  • Organizers and operators must ensure that usable equipment is spaced 3 metres apart to ensure physical distancing between participants.
  • Widen lanes of pools or running tracks, or limiting the use of lanes, so that users can maintain 3 metres of physical distancing.
  • Rental of an indoor sport, fitness or recreation facility for the exclusive use of an individual or household is permitted.
  • Amenities within a facilities cannot be simultaneously rented to multiple individuals or households unless the spaces are physically separate by permanent or semi-permanent walls.
  • Operators should place hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol in convenient locations throughout their facility.
  • Organizers and facility operators must allow adequate time to thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment between each group/participant.
  • Operators must enhance cleaning and disinfecting practices as described in the COVID-19 General Operational Guidance.
  • Facility operators should establish activity schedules to ensure physical distancing can be maintained and control traffic flow.
  • Facility operators should disable fans to limit dispersion of droplets.
  • Locker rooms
  • To the extent possible, attendees should arrive dressed and ready to participate. Organizers should limit access to dressing/locker rooms wherever possible to final preparations, washroom use and emergency access (e.g., first aid).
  • Attendees should be encouraged to minimize time spent in dressing/locker/change rooms for final preparations only, prior to entering the training area (e.g., putting on training shoes, skates, etc.).
  • Individuals using the dressing/locker/change room must maintain 2 metres physical distancing from other participants.
  • If participants require support in the dressing/locker/change rooms (i.e., parents), 2 metres of physical distance must be maintained between households and masks must be worn.
  • Gatherings, meals and meetings are not permitted in locker rooms.
  • Group meetings such as practice planning and white board sessions should be done virtually.

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 Goverment of Alberta announced that updated mandatory health measures go into effect for retail, fitness and performance activities. Learn more HERE.

New restrictions will start to come into effect at 11:59 p.m. on April 6.

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.

These changes are effective immediately. 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. Health officials continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19. As a cautionary measure, changes to current restrictions for retail, children’s sports, and hotels, banquets, community halls and conference centres have been delayed until Step 3. Read more HERE

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.

Please go to the following links for the most updated documents:
SPAR Guidance: www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-sports-physical-activity-and-recreation.pdf.
Junior, Collegiate and University Leagues Guidance: www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-guidance-for-junior-collegiate-and-university-leagues.pdf.

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.