Q & A from The City of Red Deer

COVID update: Restrictions Exemption Program and mandatory masking

Following the announcement of new public health guidelines on September 15, 2021, The City will implement the Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative rapid test result for visitors and participants at City recreation and culture facilities.

1. What is the Restrictions Exemption Program?

   On September 15, 2021, the Government of Alberta declared a State of Public Health Emergency due to the rising hospitalizations and cases of COVID-19. As a result, they are implementing province-wide restrictions in an effort to reduce the impact of the pandemic.

   The Restrictions Exemption Program allows businesses to operate as usual as long as patrons aged 12 and older provide proof of vaccination, medical exemption or a negative rapid test result. In order to continue providing recreation and culture opportunities in a safe and responsible way, The City has decided to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program for all City owned and operated recreation and culture facilities.

2. How does the Restrictions Exemption Program affect facilities?

   Starting September 20, all visitors to City owned and operated facilities will require proof of vaccination, medical exemption or a negative rapid test result within 72 hours of a visit to facilities. From September 20 to October 25, proof of a single dose is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than two weeks before visiting a facility. After October 25, proof of double vaccination is required.

   Facilities include:

   •   Collicutt Centre
   •   G.H. Dawe Community Centre
   •   Servus Arena – Walking track is open for use through Activity Reservations
   •   Kinex Arena
   •   Kinsmen Community Arenas
   •   Michener Aquatic Centre and Gymnasium
   •   Recreation Centre
   •   Setters Place at Great Chief Park (applies to use of indoor spaces only)
   •   Intermediate School

      

   • Outdoor activities are not included in the Restrictions Exemption Program.

     The Restrictions Exemption Program also applies to all leaseholder spaces within City facilities. Lease holders will be responsible for sharing these new requirements with their customers. Third-party operators (e.g., River Bend, Bower Ponds, Heritage Ranch, Neighbourhood Activity Centres, etc.) will make their own decisions regarding their operations. Rental permit holders for City operated recreation and culture facilities will beresponsible for sharing recreation facility requirements with their memberships and visiting teams. For organized sports, please check with your sport organization for more information about specific requirements.

3. Why are you implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program?

   The safety and well-being of customers, visitors and staff continues to be the driving force in our decisions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are adopting the Restrictions Exemption Program in an effort to continue providing safe and accessible recreation opportunities for the community. If we did not adopt the program, our programs and services would be subject to further operating restrictions, which would significantly decrease access to our facilities.

   For example, without the Restrictions Exemption Program, all adult group fitness classes and activities would be cancelled, and all facilities would be reduced to 1/3 capacity.

4. How do I show proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative rapid test?

   Acknowledging that not all Red Deerians may not be able to access their proof of vaccination immediately, The City will allow access to facilities from Monday, September 20 to Monday, September 27 with verbal confirmation of vaccination.

   As of September 28, the following is required:

   •   Proof of vaccination – information on how to show proof of vaccine is available here.

     o Sept.20toOct.25:proofofasingledoseisconsideredacceptableaslongas the dose was given more than two weeks before visiting a facility.

     

     o AfterOct.25:proofofdoublevaccinationisrequired.

   •   Proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests

     from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)

   •   Documentation of a medical exemption
5. Are masks still required?

   As mandated by the Government of Alberta, masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces. Therefore, all visitors are required to wear a mask in City facilities, unless actively participating in activities.

   Effective September 20, anyone unable to wear a mask will be required to provide medical exception letter from an authorized health professional. More information about mask exemptions is available at alberta.ca/masks.

6. I would like to cancel a booking/registration/monthly pass because of the new guidelines. Will I get a refund?
   Yes, refunds are available. Please contact [email protected] or 403-309-8411 to request a refund for programs and passes. Email [email protected] to request a refund for facility rentals.
7. Can individuals from different households still participate in activities together?

   Limitations are dependent on the type of activity. Indoor private social gatherings, which includes bookings for birthday parties, are limited to two households with a maximum of 10 vaccine-eligible, vaccinated people. There are no limitations on children under 12.