On the 15th of September the government of Alberta declared a state of emergency in the province due to the current rise in COVID cases. Along with that declaration the province has created a program for both businesses and amateur sport groups to keep operating by opting in to the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP). Clubs, dojos & business are able to self-declare their enrollment into the program and then be able to operate with less restrictions on their activities. If your club and the facility you operate in do not with to be a part of the REP program the current restrictions for activities in the sport and recreation sector will all apply.
Starting September 20th you have two options:
1. Implement a Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) by requiring proof of vaccination or negative rapid test result to continue operation as usual.*
2. Follow capacity & operating restrictions as outlined here.
*Youth Sport activities (17 years of age and younger) do not have the same vaccine or testing requirements as everyone else participating in the REP. A club can choose to make the requirements the same if they would like to keep things consistent. Please ensure your own REP requirements are in line with the facility you are using for your dojo.
For those under the age of 18 you must do the following:
- Continue to screen for symptoms.
- Maintain 2 metres distancing, except youth while engaged in physical activity.
- Wear a mask, except youth while engaged in physical activity.
- Spectators attendance is restricted to 1/3 fire code capacity, attendees are limited to a single household or 2 close contact if living alone and must be masked maintain 2m physical distancing.
- Outdoor activities can continue with no restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (simplified for our particular sporting context) pertaining to this new program:
- Are all businesses eligible to participate in REP?
- The REP does not apply to:
- Children under 12 2.
- The REP does not apply to:
- Do I have to apply for the REP?
- No, anyone club or dojo can automatically enrol by declaration.
- If I decide not to or cannot participate in the REP what restrictions do I face?
- The timing and variation on restrictions for groups not participating in REP are wide ranging. We encourage any club that is evaluating their participation in REP, to visit the Alberta Government’s website to view a list of full restrictions, timelines and industry-specific requirements.
- 4. How will the government ensure organizations are implementing REP or complying with restrictions?
- The REP will be enforced through audits and fines for non-compliance.
- How can our dojo check vaccination status of our members or participants (Applies to those 18&O. Can be applied to youth (12-17) if you choose to keep the participation requirements the same)?
- Paper: Immunization record received at immunization appointments
- Technology: Records shown from MyHealth Records app or website
- Printable card: Paper card printable from MyHealth Records app
- As of October 1, we expect a QR code option to be introduced with additional information for businesses on how to use this option.
- How do clubs or dojos participating in REP work with those ineligible for vaccination (ie children and people with medical exemptions)?
- Children and those with medical exemptions are not subject to vaccination requirements through the REP.
- How do I work with people who are partially vaccinated (Applies to those 18&O. Can be applied to youth (12-17) if you choose to keep the participation requirements the same)?
- From September 20th – October 25th, proof of a single does is acceptable as long as the dose was given more than two weeks before a practice or class time (ie for those with training times on September 20th the first does requirement is only met if the 1st dose was administered on or before the 6th of September).
- After October 25th, proof of double vaccination is required.
Understand that some facilities are opting not to accept negative test results(either due to HR capacity concerns or lack of expertise in the area) and are only accepting proof of vaccination.
The following are recommendations that are best practices and should still be a consideration for all sporting activities:
- When you are able to be distanced from each other (2m) you should be.
- When you can be masked you should be even during moderate activity.
- Enhanced hygiene, cleaning and sanitization measures in the dojo should still continue.
- All programs should continue with screening and the collection of contact information for contact tracing if necessary (this is a requirement still for youth activities asper above).
- Programs for participants who are not yet of age for vaccine eligibility (11&U) should consider being run with additional preventative measures such as:
- Additional limits on group sizes
- Limiting activities that involve frequent or recurring close contact (ie sparring).
- Consider what activities can be done in an outdoor setting.
As per previous communications If you have any questions regarding these above listed requirements or have a specific scenario you think is not addressed above do not hesitate to reach out to Karate Alberta directly at anytime and we will be happy to work with you on providing you the answers to your questions.
Jasen Pratt, Executive Director
