As of Tuesday, Nov. 23, the Town of Ponoka implemented several changes to the health requirements at its indoor recreation facilities.
The changes were determined in consultation with provincial public health officials and in accordance with provincial COVID-19 regulations and requirements.
The arena and Aquaplex will return to operating at one third of fire code capacity for youth programming. Spectators will be required to wear masks and maintain physical distancing from other households; Adult programming doesn’t change.
The facilities will continue to follow the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program (REP). Adult sport participants and spectators (12 and up) will continue to be required to show: proof of vaccination (QR code), or a negative, privately-paid COVID-19 test result received within 72 hours before the activity, or a valid medical exemption document along with a government-issued personal identification.
Some activities will be rescheduled at the Arena and Aquaplex so that youth and adult programming occur at different times with no overlap to comply with provincial health requirements.
This is being done to ensure that when adult programming occurs, the REP is in effect throughout the facility, and when youth programming occurs, the one-third fire code capacity requirement is in effect facility-wide.
Youth programming groups can request implementation of the REP at indoor town recreation facilities for tournaments and other special events.
The food concession at the arena will be closed and eating will not be permitted by spectators at the arena or Aquaplex.
Drop-in activities, such as public swimming and public skating, will operate at one third of fire code capacity.
Public skating will resume in December.
Masking with an approved face covering is mandatory and will be enforced for all visitors at the Town’s indoor recreation facilities (unless they are participating in a sport activity).
“Council and town administration have been working diligently behind the scenes with both the provincial government and Alberta Health Services toward the ultimate goal of ensuring the greatest number of our citizens can enjoy the use of our facilities while still protecting the health and safety of our community. We believe these latest changes achieve that balance,” said Mayor Kevin Ferguson in a press release.
Adult programming, including fitness classes, will remain status quo under the REP and will operate at full capacity.
Youth Programming (under the age of 18) will continue not being required to show proof of vaccination when participating in sport or recreation activities at the Aquaplex or Arena. Youth programming will follow one third fire code capacity requirements for spectators.
To view the full press release, visit ponoka.ca.