As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, our senior leadership team remains responsive to the changing circumstances, in the interest of the health and wellness of our staff and the community.
Updates have been made to our recreation facility protocols, including enhancements to our COVID-19 symptoms screening, program capacities, visitor protocols and expectations, and permit requests and limitations.
Ongoing and enhanced COVID-19 symptom screening
A reminder to residents that the COVID-19 protocols in place at our recreation facilities, Jack Burger Sports Complex and Town Park Recreation Centre, are being strictly enforced for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and program users.
Self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms is required before visiting our facilities. Additionally, staff at these facilities are also screening visitors upon arrival with a symptom questionnaire. Visitors who answer yes to any of the following symptoms are not permitted in the buildings:
new or worsening cough
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
temperature equal to or over 38°C
feeling feverish
chills
fatigue or weakness
muscle or body aches
new loss of smell or taste
headache
gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
feeling very unwell
Children with abdominal symptoms and skin changes or rashes.
All visitors must wear a face covering while inside the building. The face covering can only be removed when in the pool or on the ice. Proper physical distancing of at least two metres must always be maintained.
New program capacities
Our program capacities have been lowered to reduce the number of people in our facilities at one time, as well as to ensure that adequate distancing can be maintained while our patrons are participating in our programs.
New facility visitor protocols and expectations
Other than “Accompanying Guardians,” who are permitted in the arena, additional spectators are not permitted in the facility, unless an altered COVID Safety plan is in place. This includes pool areas, the gymnasium, the arena, and program rooms.
The following protocols are in place for “Accompanying Guardians” in the arena:
· An “Accompanying Guardian” is permitted in the arena only. This means one adult or guardian per registered participant under the age of 18 years (up to a max of 25 people).
· All visitors must wear a face covering while inside the building and always maintain proper physical distancing of at least two metres.
· People who reside in a designated Grey Zone, per the Provincial Government’s colour code COVID-19 restriction framework, are discouraged from visiting the facility. Bookings will not be accepted from residents in the Grey Zones.
Visitor reservations now required (including Accompanying Guardians)
· The Municipality requires contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility and a reservation is required.
· Reservations for Accompanying Guardians are to be made via telephone (905-885-2474), between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the day of the request. If pre-reservations are not completed, Accompanying Guardians will not be permitted to enter. Screening will take place at the time of entry.
New permit requests and limitations
· New online registration (ActiveNet) accounts from residents who live in the areas defined as Grey Zones are not being accepted. Any changes to existing ActiveNet accounts must first be pre-approved by municipal staff.
· To support current operational capacities, we are restricting new permit requests to regular affiliated user groups and programs only. Current permits will be honoured but not renewed.
These additional measures have been temporarily implemented until further notice for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and patrons.
More information about the Municipality’s response to the global pandemic can be found at //porthope.ca/COVID-19.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
