Restriction exemption program now in place at Hockey Hounds

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 27, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

A vaccination verification program will be expanded to include the Hockey Hounds Arena next week, the city announced Tuesday.

It had been the last city recreation facility to operate at lower capacity without employing the “restrictions exemption program,” or REP, outlined by the province in mid-September.

That will change on Nov. 1 however, as all those older than 12 entering the rink in Crescent Heights who are not directly part of a youth sports activity will be required to show proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test dated in the previous 72 hours, or an original medical exemption letter.

“The Hockey Hounds had a smaller number of user groups, and we wanted to evaluate the feasibility of operating with one-third capacity instead of requiring the proof of vaccine,” said the city’s managing director of public services, Brian Mastel. “It soon became clear that the patrons and users … expected the same level of service the the REP provides.”

He says the program will return spectator capacity to normal and allow adult groups to use the facility.

Measures like masking are required, while proper adherence to health and hygiene protocols are recommended.

The REP program went into effect at Co-op Place on Sept. 23, then the Esplanade Theatre on Sept. 28. It was established at the city’s other community-use arenas, the Kinplex and Family Leisure Centre, on Oct. 1.

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