From Our Latest Issue: Sports “At a Standstill” as Teams Play it Safe with COVID-19
By Mallorie Rast
While Saskatchewanians hailed the coming of COVID-19 response plan Phrase 3 with shouts of glee, empty ball diamonds and lonely soccer grass remind us that it’s still smart to play it safe with COVID-19.
The Government of Saskatchewan released Phase 3 in its COVID-19 response plan on June 8th, which included the opening of gyms and fitness facilities. Phase 3 did not, however, include the green light for sports teams to once again hit the fields.
“Until we hear that Phase 4 is in place, we are pretty much at a standstill.” Chad Miller, President of Kindersley Minor Ball, noted in a recent interview that the various Kindersley sports teams have to content themselves with playing the “wait and see” game.
Miller spoke on behalf of Kindersley Minor Ball, saying that while the regular playing season of May and June was cancelled, the association was open to considering interest once Phase 4 was announced. “But since we don’t know when Phase 4 will be announced, it is hard to make any future plans at this point.” Miller says that he hopes Phase 4 won’t be long in coming.
Kindersley Minor Ball’s response echoes that of other teams. In a Facebook post on April 17th, Kindersley Special Olympics noted that they suspended all activities until June 30th. Kindersley Soccer noted on their Facebook page on May 6th that an upcoming season was likely out of the question. “Once we are given direction from Sask Health and Sask Soccer that play can resume in a safe manner, we will evaluate any possibilities available.” The post went on to note that a jamboree or soccer weekend is among their current Phase 4 options.
While the senior ball teams such as the Kindersley Stallions and Kindersley Cubs are also banned from the fields, another option to keep active this summer has finally opened its doors.
Anytime Fitness, Busted Barbell Fitness and Kindersley Body Fitness Lounge have all been able to open their doors with Phase 3.
Kindersley Body Fitness Lounge noted on its Facebook page that while they are thrilled to give their members gym access again, they are asking for the following guidelines to be followed: 1) Space is limited to 12 people working out at a time 2) Workouts are limited to 60 minutes in length 3) Equipment is not to be shared, except for same households 4) Hands are to be sanitized often, and equipment is to be sanitized before and after use.
Anytime Fitness also posted their opening hours and regulations on their Facebook page, noting that 24-hour access is no longer available due to COVID-19 restrictions. Opening times for the business include Monday – Thursday 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and Saturday 10:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. Business opening guidelines include: 1) Members must self-screen before entering 2) Hand sterilization must be observed 3) Personalized spray bottles and wipes will be provided for a workout session, these must be used and returned to staff 4) Members must practice physical distancing 6) Workouts are limited to 60 minutes maximum.
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