On Friday the Alberta government moved forward with Stage 2 of reopening which will now include fitness facilities and team sports. Originally part of Stage 3, the categories were bumped up with “extreme caution” after officials assessed a consistent decline in the number of COVID-19 cases across the province.
Services allowed to open in Stage 2 include:
- Gyms
- Recreation centres
- Fitness studios
- Arenas
- Sports teams (mini leagues)
- Pools
All facilities returning to operation should comply with established protocols and procedures to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus.
A 15-page set of guidelines released by the province outlines public health and infection prevention and control measures specific to sport, physical activity and recreation and the operation of indoor facilities. The extensive list includes considerations for high intensity fitness classes, such as the use of microphones for instructors, discouraging singing or shouting back at the instructor, and a minimum of three-metres spacing in all directions between participants.
While many eligible facilities are now beginning to open, others including municipal recreation centres, YMCAs and some sports organizations will take additional time to prepare indoor areas and recall and train staff to ensure a safe return to operations.
