Sign outside the Stan Siwik Pool, one of Lethbridge's indoor recreational facilities. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Mask mandate leads to changes for Lethbridge’s indoor rec facilities

Sep 7, 2021 | 11:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Masking is back in effect across Alberta, as a result of rising COVID-19 case numbers.

READ MORE: Mask mandate returning in Alberta Sunday, other new measures announced

The City of Lethbridge has explained out how its indoor recreational facilities are impacted by this.

POOLS & AQUATICS CENTRES

The following changes are in place at indoor aquatics facilities operated by Recreation Excellence until further notice:

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• All users are required to wear a mask in all areas until they enter the water. Masks are not required in the water.
• Facility staff are required to wear masks while working indoors.
• All payments will be made at the facility through the front desk.
• Change room bins and lockers will be available.
• Showers will remain open.
• The City asks that if you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms, stay home and follow Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines.

The public swim and programming schedule for the Stan Siwik Pool can be viewed here. Nicholas Sheran Pool re-opens as of Tuesday, September 7 with the Fritz Sick Pool opening September 8.

The Henderson Outdoor Pool is closed as of Tuesday, September 7. Further information about pools operated by Recreation Excellence can be found here.

More details about indoor masking protocols at the Cor Van Raay YMCA are available here, and information about the Max Bell Aquatic Centre at the University of Lethbridge is available here.

ARENAS

For local arenas, all patrons have to wear a mask while in the building.

For on-ice participants, masks are required to be worn until they dawn their helmets or are using the shower facilities. Masks have to be worn by spectators, coaches/trainers and any other ice-level patrons at all times.

Jillian Bracken from the Recreation and Culture department said, “masks are now mandatory in all these indoor public spaces but are not required while actively participating in a physical fitness activity or a performance activity.”

“These restrictions will stay in place until further direction is received from the provincial government. Our pools, arenas and other recreation and cultural facilities remain open.”

More details on public skating in Lethbridge are available here.

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