Dear Dojos and Head Instructors,
Karate Alberta remains committed to aligning with all health requirements, both voluntary and mandatory as issued by Alberta Health and the Government of Alberta. It is appreciated that our dojos have done a tremendous job with our Return to Karate across the province and have been exemplary role models to the public and other sport organizations as it relates to following all requirements as it relates to returning to Karate safely – collectively you have run several thousand safe and healthy training sessions for our members and for this you should all be commended.
Today the Alberta Government made an announcement as it relates to Targeted Public Health Measures to help with the anticipated further rise in cases and hospitalizations. Not all dojos and clubs are in areas affected by the targeted measures so please ensure you read the above link to determine if your community is impacted. These new measures do directly impact and apply to Calgary and Area, Edmonton and Area, Fort McMurray, Grand Prairie, Lethbridge and Red Deer.
While Karate is an “individual” sport and not a “team” sport training typically takes place in a group or cohort setting and unless you can ensure your dojo has the following: enhanced mitigation measures in place to ensure all individuals are safely distanced at all times; are using appropriate PPE where required; are able to practice in a training setting that meets are COVID cleaning requirements; and you meet all other and all previous AHS COVID requirements you are asked to discontinue in person training for the two-week period (13-27 November) as dictated by the Alberta government.
In short, if you fall into one of the areas that are affected by these targeted measures – and unless you can operate in a setting that does not require you to “cohort” your training groups you should discontinue in-person training for this same two week period.
This direction and interpretation of the new measures can change at any time – our dojos should be prepared to respond to any of these changes in an immediate fashion.
Jasen Pratt
Executive Director
Karate Alberta
