New Restrictions for Licensed Premises - updated October 16

From: Tracey Ewasko <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;
Date: October 16, 2020 at 1:30:14 PM CDT
Subject: Covid Update

Message from CurlManitoba and Winnipeg Curling Clubs Association (WCCA)

Please Note:  Public Health has updated their interpretation of the COVID-19 Prevention Orders.

It was originally believed that curlers could continue to curl past 11pm as long as the bar/restaurant was closed and all alcohol was removed.

This morning, Public Health informed CurlManitoba that the current legal interpretation of the COVID-19 Capital Region Prevention Order is that Prevention Order 5 Licensed Premise overrules Prevention Order 10.

CurlManitoba received the following communication from Manitoba Emergency Coodination Centre:

For clarity, licensed facilities can continue to operate and allow members of the public to engage in activities, such as curling. However, facilities must ensure that those in any bar or lounge area are assigned to a table and must remain seated unless they are travelling to or from washrooms, engaged in playing a video game or other similar activity in the licensed premises, briefly interacting with staff at the licensed premises, or entering or leaving the licensed premises. Additionally, there can be no liquor service between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and the operator of the licensed facility must ensure that all members of the public vacate by 11:00 p.m., including those engaged in recreational activities, such as curling. Order 5 is not specific to restaurants or bars but applies to the licensed premises.  

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention; we appreciate hearing your feedback and have shared it with public health for consideration. We acknowledge that the measures in place are having an impact on businesses and organizations in Manitoba. This is not an ideal situation, however, Manitoba's top priority is the health and safety of its citizens in the face of this unprecedented pandemic. As this is an evolving situation, we encourage you to stay up to date by visiting: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/index.html.

CurlManitoba will continue to advocate to have the sport of curling continue past 11:00pm however, at this time, it is important to follow the current interpretation from the Provincial legal team - which is that all curlers must be out of the licensed establishment by 11:00pm. Please consider altering draw times or shortening games to be done by 10:50pm to ensure all curlers have 10 minutes to change their shoes and leave the premise. Please communicate this to all members.

We understand the frustration with the constant changes this season and appreciate all the work clubs are doing to be flexible and support a safe return to curling. I’m sure your curlers also appreciate all your staff and volunteer efforts to make this sport as safe as possible.

Craig Baker
Executive Director
CurlManitoba
Phone: 204-925-5725

Level Orange restrictions applicable to licensed premises in Winnipeg and area, made effective on October 7 will affect AMCC operations as follows:

• Liquor and beer sales both in the lounge and on the ice will end at 10:00 pm sharp.
  • Bar staff will make an effort to poll players on the ice for final drink orders between 9:30 and 10:00 pm.
• The facility must be vacated by all customers (this means - anyone who is not a paid staff member) prior to 11:00 pm.
  
  • Anybody playing a late draw must take his/her belongings to the main floor at the start of his/her game.
  • Game play must end by 10:50 pm, so that all curlers may change shoes and exit the building by 11:00 pm.
  • Further updates for leagues curling a late draw will be provided after September 17.

• Effective October 19 - all tables in the lounge and on the main floor will be restricted to no more than 5 occupants (most were before solely due to spacing requirements, but not it is mandated by the Province).
• Discussions between the Return to Play Committee and conveners of leagues with late draws to increase availability of bar service to those players in late games are ongoing - but at this time there is no change to game scheduling.

These restrictions are expected to be in place until at least November 4 - but may be extended. Updated signage and communications will be issued when the restrictions are removed.

Reminder: at all times during the season, any curler who is in the building at a time outside of one of his/her scheduled full-time league games (i.e. visiting the lounge as a non-curling guest, sparing for another team in a league other than his/her regular full-time league) MUST sign-in at the bar upon entering the facility.

Level Orange Restrictions for Winnipeg beginning September 28

Level Orange summary: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-covid-19-update-1.5738755

Mask Rules Updated September 28

During past week the AMCC Board of Directors and many members of the club have had the opportunity to put into practice the Clubs Return to Play Guidelines. Based on this opportunity to play on the ice, new supporting guidance and information from the WHO, the board has revised the "Mandatory Mask" rule while participating in the Ice Shed.

Masks during play will now be optional but is still highly recommended. If you choose to wear a mask while playing, it is recommended that you change them regularly when they get damp. Mask use also MUST NOT be your primary control to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We respectfully ask that you continue to follow all public health directives and the Club’s Return to Play Guidelines (http://keepcurling.curlamcc.com) - which will be updated to reflect the rule change within the next week.

A number of questions have been asked by several league members since we released our Return to Play Plan last week. Here are answers to some of the more common ones (thank you to Bruce Burton for getting this document started):

Q: Will I have to wear a mask while curling?

A: Updated October 17, 2020: When not curling, you will be required to wear a mask at all times EXCEPT when seated in the cafe / lounge to consume food or beverage. Though you are not required to wear a mask during game play, anybody who is able to do so comfortably is strongly encouraged to wear one as much as possible during game play. A limited number of masks will be available for purchase at the restaurant and bar, but you are strongly advised to take some time to look at a number of masks and find ones that are most comfortable for you well in advance of curling season. For maximum comfort, you may wish to plan to have at least three masks on-hand - two for curling, and one for wearing indoors before and after.

Q: Will I be able to use the washrooms?

A: Yes, but social distancing will be necessary.

Q: Will I be able to use a locker to store my outside clothes?

A: No, there will be no access to the lockers or locker rooms at this time. You should plan to arrive at the club dressed as "ready to curl" as possible. While curling, we suggest that you place your winter boots in the coat room and take your valuables on to the ice in a carry bag.

Q: If the club is closed or I miss any games because of COVID-19, will I receive a refund of curling fees?

A: No, there will not be any refunds as the funds are required to maintain the facilities during a shut down. Any surplus funds after payment of all expenses will be credited toward next year's curling fees.

Q: Will the water coolers be available?

A: No, the water coolers will not be available, but curlers are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic drinks in plastic or metal containers. Distancing between containers is not required, but any container should be handled only by his/her owner.

Q: Will the bar and restaurant be open?

A: Yes, both will be open. However, exact operating protocols are still being developed, and will be ready later in September.
Confirmed September 8: you will be able to consume beverages purchased from the lounge on the home end of the ice shed, as usual. On-ice ordering will be completed using your own cell phone - the numbner to call is posted in the ice shed.

Q: Do all curlers have to provide an email address and phone number?

A: Every curler must provide an email address and a phone number to enable tracking of COVID-19 should the occasion arise. Some curlers may not have an email address in which case they may need to get a close relative/friend to allow use of their email address to allow registration and completion of the AMCC liability waiver. AMCC has advised that all waivers must be sent to the club electronically and are not accepting any paper copies. The phone numbers and email address will enable the convenor to keep the members fully informed should there be an issue or a change to COVID-19 conditions and/or changes to protocols.

Q: How do I submit my waiver, or submit an online payment for a league?

Each player participating in weekly curling, entering bonspiels, renting practice ice, or playing occasional spare games in our facility must provide sign-off for two required documents prior to entering the ice shed. The easiest (and recommended) way to submit these documents is to visit our registration page: https://curlamcc.ca/index.php/register-2020. After clicking the adult / youth link - read all documents listed at the top of the page, complete all fields on the registration form, and click the "Next Step" button at the bottom of the page. Continue following the directions provided on the web page until a confirmation of your successful registration is displayed. If the league you wish to pay for is not listed on the registration page, contact your league convener for details.

Q: Will my curling game be different?

A: Yes, changes to all phases of game play (including before and after your game) are necessary to comply with Curling Canada guidelines and Provincial health directives. The full details can be found in the Player's Guide document available here: http://keepcurling.curlamcc.com. The short version is:

• Stay home if you are feeling sick, or have been in contact with any confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19.
• Let your team and your league convener know immediately if you will be missing a game, or if you have been directed to self-isolate by public health officials.
• Ensure your invited spares / guests / spectators sign into the building upon entry.
• Maintain 6’ / 2m physical distancing at all times.
• Practice good hand hygiene - wash / sanitize your hands often, and avoid touching your face.
• Wear a face mask at all times except when seated in the café or lounge.
• Read and follow all signs and floor markings.
• Sign and submit all required waivers prior to your first game.
• Adhere to game start and end times.
• Please understand that there may be changes to our policies and procedures throughout the season, so keep in touch with your league convener (and/or watch our website for updates if you are able to).
• Please watch this video for an illustration of maintaining your distance from others on the curling ice:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Y_KjKuUDbxQ&feature=emb_logo

Q: Do I need to sign a waiver or sign-in to the building every time I curl?

If you are a full-time member, you only need to submit your waivers once at the beginning of the season. If you are an occasional spare, you must complete the sign-in sheet at the bar or restaurant before each game, but only need to submit your waivers once prior to any game you play (and you can do this any time - even before the season starts). All players and non-curling guests must complete a self-assessment for symptoms of liiness using the poster at the entrance door upon every arrival. They must not enter, and immediately return home if they are experiencing any of the listed symptoms. Staff members are authorized to ask anyone who is sick to leave the building immediately - please help them and everyone else out by doing so yourself before you need to be asked.

Q: Are printed copies of the AMCC Player's Guide available?

A few copies will be printed to remain at the club prior to sign-up week. If you wish to obtain your own printed copy, please visit the UPS Store at 3336 Portage Ave (near Portage Ave and Westwood Drive) and ask for a copy by name ($4.00 for monochrome, $10.80 for color, plus taxes).

Q: Can I see what a "real" curling game will look like under his season's rules?

A: Yes - Curling Canada has several demonstration videos posted here: https://www.curling.ca/return-to-play/