Lee Mein, Owner of Martial Arts Centre in Lethbridge

By Connor Gunn

Canadian Martial Arts Centre not reopening June 1 after speaking with health officials

May 28, 2020 | 2:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB- After originally stating the reopening of the Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Lethbridge, Owner and Trainer Lee Mein is not opening on June first.

Mein took to Facebook to say, “We won’t be opening for classes on June 1 as we are respectfully waiting to hear back from those we are working with.”

After hearing back from provincial health officials and after the opening of his gym got province-wide coverage, Mein said he will have to delay the opening of his gym to a later date once he’s given the green light.

The post also said they will have to follow health protocols to stay safe.

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In Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy, gyms are set to reopen in the last of three stages. Stage 1 already happened earlier this month and Stage 2 could potentially happen in late June, but there is no word yet on when Stage 3 might be implemented.

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw responded to the reopening of the CMAC during the May 25th COVID-19 update.

“The fact that we’ve been so successful is because of these measures we’ve taken together, so if, collectively, we stop taking these protective measures, then my concern is that the virus can spread and spread through to people who are vulnerable to poor outcomes.”

Dr. Hinshaw did not comment on whether any enforcement measures would be taken against Mein or other sports and recreation operators for opening before this happens.

Mein added he’s been in contact with Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf, and they mutually decided to wait for further instruction by the province to open safely.

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