COVID-19: HG Rec Response

11 January 2022: 

Given the rise in COVID-19 cases provincially due to the Omicron variant, the sport and recreation sector is facing new programming restrictions. The current restrictions apply from December 22, 2021 at midnight to January 18, 2022 (with possibility of extension). You can find more information on current public health orders HERE. To keep programs open is complex. Decisions to resume programming consider public health orders, rates of transmission locally, comfort levels of instructors and/or volunteers.

The following activities can continue:

  • Programs for children and youth, including day camps
  • Recreational education or classes, including arts, crafts, music, photography, culture, or travel education or classes
  • Sports, including adult sport, but no tournaments
  • Drop-in sports

These activities may not continue:

  • Indoor organized gatherings of any size (e.g. rentals for parties & receptions, special events)
  • Workout gyms, fitness and dance studios must close
  • Seated events at 50% capacity (spectator events such as concerts, sports, movies, theatrical or dance production)

We have postponed some in-person programming for February. Our Alternative Fitness class has gone outdoors in Masset. Our drop-in sports are continuing at a reduced capacity. Gyms remain closed at this time.

Reminder to all who attend adult drop-in sports, you must sign a waiver and provide proof of vaccination upon entry. We are working on updating safety plans for programs and our offices (Tahayghen, Queen Charlotte) at this time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate new restrictions. If you have questions, comments or require clarification, please e-mail coordinator@hgrec.com anytime or give us a call/text between 9am – 5pm M-F (250.637.1192).

Alissa MacMullin
Recreation Coordinator
Haida Gwaii Recreation
250.637.1192

7 October 2021: 

As our facilities and programs begin to reopen, HG Rec is abiding by current provincial and regional safety guidelines. Our services are offered in alignment with the BC’s Step 3 Restart Plan and restrictions in place in our health authority. We continue to work diligently to plan, prepare and increase our service levels.

  • Summary of current restrictions (as of October 7, 2021):
Northern Health Province BC Restart – Step 3 Not restricted
·       Personal gatherings in your home – one additional family or 5 guests

·       Personal gatherings outside your home – maximum 50 people

·       Indoor events – have a safety plan (the organizer should have a safety plan, but is not required to submit one for approval)

·       Outside events – when more than 200 people, then have a safety plan

·       Sporting events with spectators, indoor & outdoor – have a safety plan

 ·       Indoor events  – maximum of 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater

·       Outside events – maximum of 5000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater

·       Outdoor spectator events: 5000 people or 50% capacity

·       Indoor spectator event: 50 people or 50% capacity

 ·       All indoor fitness classes allowed, normal capacity

·       Gyms and recreation facilities, normal capacity

·       Restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs (except for socialization between tables or dancing)

·       Worship services or educational activities (K to 12 and post-secondary)
  • Vaccination

As of September 13, 2021, participants attending HG Rec programs will be required to show proof of vaccination (at least 1 dose, BC Vaccine Card) as required by the provincial health order.

The activities where proof of vaccination is required are:

  • Weight rooms (13 years+)
  • Indoor adult fitness classes and programs (19 years+)
  • Indoor adult sports programs (19 years+)
  • Indoor adult arts & leisure programs, e.g. pottery (19 years+)
  • Indoor adult dance programs or youth programs with adult participation, e.g. Creative Movement for 0 – 4 years (19 years+)
  • Any indoor activities with over 50 participants* ( 12 years+)  e. g. events, competitions, games or practices

* Except for children and youth programs and activities (under the age of 22 years) and before/after school programs for students K to 12, e.g. HG Rec’s AfterSchool Sports & Arts Initiative.

Starting October 24, 2021, participants attending some HG Rec programs will be required to show proof of vaccination (fully vaccinated or two doses, BC Vaccine Card), as listed above.

  • Presenting your BC Vaccine Card

 Prior to entry to a HG Rec program, individuals must show their BC Vaccine Card (digital or paper copy). Anyone 18 years or older must also present a valid government I.D. Individuals who have not confirmed their vaccination status prior to the programming will not be permitted entry. Our staff, instructors and volunteers at HG Rec are not permitted to make exceptions to entry without the required proof of vaccination for the applicable activities.

  Registered Programs “Drop-in” Programs
Description Our registered programs are led by trained instructors (e.g. dance) and require payment & pre-registration. However, drop-in is now available.

As we re-open these programs, verification of vaccination status will be done by the instructor. Drop-in’s will also have their vaccination status verified prior to being permitted entry.

 Our drop-in programs are traditionally held in schools, are free-of-charge, and do not have designated staff on-site, just volunteer organizers and attendees.

As we re-open our drop-in programs to the public with BC Vaccine Cards required, we are requiring pre-registration for entry.

Organizers are volunteer. In 2021/22, they are eligible for honoraria to ensure complete recordkeeping or aid in verification of vaccination status.
Process for Registration & Entry ·        Instructor is provided with roster.

·        The instructor is tasked with verifying proof of vaccination at entry for pre-registered and drop-in attendees.

·        Attendance must be submitted to the Recreation Coordinator by the Organizer by the end of the semester to receive payment. Programs risk cancellation or renewal if attendance is not provided.

 ·        Organizer must provide an initial roster to HG Rec of attendees.

·        Proof of vaccination (two doses) can be done prior to start of programming via e-mail. See Safety & Privacy section below for further considerations. During the first day of programming, the Rec Coordinator will be on-site to verify proof of vaccination. The roster for the program will be shared with SD#50.

·        Individuals that wish to be added to the roster following the first day of programming can contact the Recreation Coordinator directly at info@hgrec.com. Your request will be processed within 24 – 48hrs.*

·        Names not on the roster will not be permitted entry at this time.

·        Attendance must be submitted to the Recreation Coordinator by the Organizer by the end of the semester. Programs risk cancellation or renewal if attendance is not provided.
  • Masking
    • As of September 28, 2021 face coverings/masks must now be worn by all attendees 9 years and older. Masks are required in all public indoor spaces by public health order, including lobbies, hallways, washrooms, fitness centres and program areas, except when exercising or engaging in physical activity. Masks are encouraged for children aged 2 to 8 years in public settings.
  • Privacy & Security
    • Rosters will be stored with no information identifying vaccination status. These rosters will NOT be posted in schools or gymnasiums or anywhere for public viewing.
    • No information regarding vaccination status will be collected from individuals online or on our website (hgrec.com) in an effort to ensure privacy.
    • Individuals may personally choose to send their proof of vaccination to the info@hgrec.com e-mail for verification. This information will NOT be stored or kept by our organization and the e-mail will be deleted immediately after the roster is updated. Individuals will be warned of the risk to their privacy and will be offered alternative options (e.g. verification in-person).
  • Other resources:

13 April 2021:

Recent changes to public health orders and community vaccination clinics have delayed or moved some of our low-intensity programs outdoors. Haida Gwaii Recreation has adapted programming (yoga, fitness classes, dance) in accordance with low-intensity guidelines. We await updates on April 19th from the Province around when these programs can resume again indoors. We’re positioning ourselves to offer more outdoor programming. Alternative Fitness in Masset is currently outdoor-only with max. 10 people (including instructor) as advised by guidelines. Updates have been made to our safety plan to include suspensions, change to outdoor programming only, and to include the Port Clements Bumper Golf Course set to re-open in accordance with public health orders in April.

Download our updated safety plan here: COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN – HGRRC – Recreation Programs – 13 April 2021.

14 January 2021: 

Following a change in public health orders, Haida Gwaii Recreation has adapted programming (yoga, fitness classes, dance) in accordance. Low-intensity activities are scheduled to resume in late January and early February 2021.

In accordance with public health orders & BCRPA Recreation Guidelines, our instructors have been:

  • Minimizing shared use of equipment;
  • Cleaning & sanitizing shared equipment between use;
  • Opting for “bring your own equipment” programming;
  • Encouraging physical distancing of 2-3m;
  • Completing daily attendance and screening of participants.

With new orders, instructors are now:

  • Focusing on low-intensity (minimize increased respiratory rates) activities;
  • Encouraging physical distancing of 2.5 – 3m;
  • Ensuring all participants wear masks at entry, between exercises, when going to the washroom, and exiting the building;
  • Minimizing shouting (e.g. using microphones) and providing verbal direction only to participants;
  • Staying within their instructor area (2.5m x 2.5m) as much as possible.

For more details, please see our COVID-19 Safety Plan attached.

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN – HGRRC – Indoor Recreation Programs – 18 Jan 2020

Thank you for your patience at this time. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail info@hgrec.com or call us at 250-626-5652, M-F 9AM – 5PM.

 
Alissa MacMullin
 
Recreation Coordinator
 
Haida Gwaii Recreation
250.626.5652

24 November 2020: 

It has come to our attention that this morning the PHO orders have changed. Read here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions#athletics
 
Under this new order, “venues that organize or operate other types of indoor group physical activities MUST suspend them temporarily while new guidance is being developed. Venues then must use new guidance (which isn’t released yet) to update and repost their COVID-19 Safety Plan before resuming operations.”
 
This includes:
– Gymnastics
– Dance
– Martial Arts
– Yoga
– Pilates
– Strength & conditioning
– Cheerleading
 
Just as we got our COVID-19 Safety Plan updated, we have to temporarily close shop on our programs island-wide. We apologize for the cascade of challenges that come along with these ever-changing orders. We are going to do our best to update our safety plan and get programs back up and running once guidance is out! We know how important these activities are for our physical and mental well-being and are committed to ensuring safety measures are being met to a high standard.
 
We also want to encourage our community members to thank and appreciate each instructor for going the extra mile during these times to bring you programs. They now include extra admin and cleaning for each program that goes well above and beyond their call of duty. They’re really making us proud and you should be too!
 
Our star instructors with huge efforts made this term worthy of a round of applause and gratitude include (apologies if any names are missed):
– Alison Keery (Contemporary & Creative Dance)
– Adam Griffith-Zahner (Fitness with Intervals)
– Chloe Clarkson (Fun Sweat)
– Abbey Weisbrot (Strength & Step, Cardio & Bands)
– Ron Diaz (DCS Boxing for Youth & Adults)
– Jennifer Chow (Yoga in Iyengar Tradition)
– Harold White (Alternative Fitness)
– Cathy Baran (Sandspit Walking Group)
– Melissa Paugh (Intro to Sourdough Breadmaking)
– Meredith Adams (Childcare Emergency First Aid + CPR for essential service workers)
– Ron Haralson (Canadian Firearms Safety Course)
 
Shout out to Mariel McLeod and the ASSAI Instructors for all they’re doing to adapt and implement the programs in the northern elementary schools during COVID-19! Kids are creating, recreating, and healthy snacking thanks to this incredible team!
 
We can’t forget our essential workers! Gratitude for our Bookkeepers Kyla Mitchell and Shirley Kricheldorf that have gone above and beyond to transition us to online payments for instructors to reduce contact and have helped tremendously in the onboarding of the new Recreation Coordinator. They make sure everything is aligned and in check. Their abilities and expertise in what they do acts as a crux that keeps our organization afloat.
 
We also extend our gratitude to many individuals and organizations that help keep us moving, from updating safety plans to providing cleaning supplies, letters of support, to planning our next steps and sharing thoughts and encouragement (apologies if any names are missed):
 
– Lianne Trepanier (Village of Masset)
– Reine Pineault (QC Community Club)
– Lao Peerless (SD#50)
– Daniel Fish (NCRD)
– Jamie Polk (MMAC)
– Amber Faktor (Sandspit Community Society)
– Danny Robertson (Swan Bay Rediscovery)
– Julia Weder (HiitaGan.iina Kuuyas Naay/Skidegate Youth Centre)
– Carla Lutner & Dana Bellis (Gwaii Trust Society)
– Shelley Sansome (Community and Economic Supports Team)
– Jenn Rutt (MIEDS)
– Kiki van der Heiden (Sun Studio)
– Kyle Marshall
– Julia Breese
– Fran Fowler
– Brenna Kowalchuk
– Audrey Putterill
– Village Councils
 
And lastly, Haawa – Thank You to those participants who attended programs. Especially those yesterday who were quick to adapt and were respectful of one another. We had such positive feedback from instructors and can’t wait to bring everyone together again when it is safe to do so!
 
Hold tight just a little longer! 💪
 
Thank you for your patience at this time. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail info@hgrec.com or call us at 250-626-5652, M-F 9AM – 5PM.
 
Alissa MacMullin
 
Recreation Coordinator
 
Haida Gwaii Recreation
250.626.5652

23 NOVEMBER 2020: 

Following Haida Gwaii’s COVID-19 outbreak in the summer, we resumed in-person programming with new policies and procedures in place to ensure safety of instructors, participants and our communities. The new public health order release last week prompted a re-evaluation of our current indoor recreation programs, including:

  • Fitness with Intervals (18+)
  • Strength & Step (18+)
  • Fun Sweat (18+)
  • Alternative Fitness (55+)
  • Yoga in Iyengar Tradition (18+)
  • Contemporary Dance (10 – 12 years)
  • Contemporary Dance (8 & 9 years)
  • Creative Dance (5 – 7 years)
  • Creative Movement (0 – 4 years + parent/guardian)
  • Adult Mixed Boxing (18+)
  • Youth Boxing
  • Sandspit Walking Group (All Ages)

The programs in bold are confirmed to continue. The italics are pending. We took time this weekend to discuss options with instructors, re-design program activities to ensure they are as low-risk as possible, and we’ve updated our COVID-19 Safety Plans to include new measures from the public health order. Lucky for us, all of our programs are of lower-risk and we trust our venues (with safety plans) and instructors are doing the work to keep individuals safe. This is a shared responsibility and we thank all for their efforts to uphold and respect ever-changing policies and procedures.

Changes you can expect: Instructors do active daily screening but we will continue to ensure completeness prior to entry into venues and may require new forms to be completed. Community halls allow for a minimum of 3m distancing, so we may have participants even further apart. Our class sizes are no larger than 15 people and we will continue to keep them small. We’ve already limited shared equipment among participants and sanitize between uses. Instructors have 80% alcohol wipes, Lysol sprays, PPE, and venue-specific cleaning and disinfectants. Masks will be required of participants indoors between activity (upon arrival, exit and when using the washrooms. For fitness programs, we’re currently not promoting high-intensity training of any kind. This kind of training (like HIIT) is deemed higher-risk. So you may find classes like Strength and Step focus on slower steps and reps, to still provide the benefits and joys of exercise, while limiting over-exertion and heavy breathing that can come with high-intensity. Just because something is interval training, doesn’t mean it’s high-intensity and of high-risk to you. Just be cognizant that things like Hot Yoga, Spin, and HIIT are not permitted at this time.

This COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN – HGRRC – Indoor Recreation Programs – 23 Nov 2020 was developed with guidance from:

Thank you for your patience at this time. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail info@hgrec.com or call us at 250-626-5652, M-F 9AM – 5PM.

Alissa MacMullin

Recreation Coordinator

Haida Gwaii Recreation
250.626.5652

coordinator@hgrec.com
2151 Tahayghen Drive/PO Box 187
www.hgrec.com

14 MAY 2020: 

We are nearing 2 months since we cancelled our programming and closed our office at Tahayghen. The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve in our Province and Haida Gwaii Recreation is still taking the necessary precautions to prevent & protect instructors and participants by continuing suspension of ALL registered, drop-in, & support programs. We are promoting and practicing social distancing in an effort to reduce risk and burden on our local health services and essential service workers. Here is a statement on the gradual re-opening of the recreation sector, from CAO Daniel Fish of the North Coast Regional District (NCRD):
“As you may be aware, the Province of BC, on May 6th, 2020, presented its “Go Forward Strategy”. This strategy outlined the provincial approach over the coming months to balance the overall risk to public health by optimizing social fabric in our communities, economic recovery and the physical and mental health needs of BC residents. The strategy outlines a phased approach toward achieving these goals, with the province currently in phase 1.  It is anticipated that phase 2 measures of the strategy will be implemented following the May long weekend, which would include the reintroduction of limited recreational and sporting opportunities. With this, there is a requirement that organizational sectors such as recreation will need to develop operational protocols aligned with public health and safety guidelines. Early on in this phase, it is anticipated that WorkSafeBC will work with the BC Recreation and Parks Association to ensure the direction and guidance provided to its members (ourselves included) meets the requirements set out by the Provincial Health Officer.

In addition, the NCRD is working closely with all municipal, First Nations, provincial, federal and health agency partners to identify local timelines for the reintroduction of modified services on Haida Gwaii, recognizing that there are acute risks to island residents given the island’s demographics and limited healthcare capacity. Through direction given by island leadership, municipalities, First Nations and the regional district will implement these measures on an agreed-upon timeline to ensure that risk within our communities is minimized.

We must work collaboratively and through direction from provincial and local leadership to ensure that these are done as safely and effectively as possible. Further detail on the reintroduction of programming in the coming weeks and we will endeavour to keep the Community informed and up to date.”

Thank you for your patience at this time. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail info@hgrec.com or call us at 250-626-5652, M-F 9AM – 5PM.

Alissa MacMullin

Recreation Coordinator

Haida Gwaii Recreation
250.626.5652

coordinator@hgrec.com
2151 Tahayghen Drive/PO Box 187
www.hgrec.com

16 APRIL 2020:

One month since we cancelled our programming and closed our office at Tahayghen. The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve in our Province and Haida Gwaii Recreation is still taking the necessary precautions to prevent & protect instructors and participants by suspending ALL registered, drop-in, & supported programs. We are promoting and practicing social distancing in an effort to reduce risk and burden on our local health services and essential service workers.

In March, some of our instructors produced Youtube videos. Enjoy Watercolour Dots, Basic Breathing & Seated Stretches, and Simple Seated Stretches with Caresse. You can also join Amber Faktor on her porch in Sandspit as she takes you through a Core Circuit routine! For the next few months, Alison Keery is managing Dance With Me Haida Gwaii on Facebook, a group where she shares instruction videos and resources for all ages and abilities.

Follow our Facebook communities for ideas for activities to help keep you moving & entertained in self-isolation:

We want to remind you and your families of the importance of making healthy choices, including diet, sleep and exercise while in isolation or practicing social distancing. From the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology: “These new [COVID-19] restrictions may affect the physical and mental health of Canadians. Now more than ever is the time to adhere to healthy lifestyle behaviours, including a good night’s sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and moderating your sedentary time to maintain a healthy immune system and build a strong defence. Getting some time outdoors every day if you can, is also important to combat feelings of depression and anxiety that may come with self-isolation.”

CSEP: 24-Hour Movement & Activity Guidelines are excellent resources to explore. Learn about how much we should be moving for our health. We are lucky here on Haida Gwaii to have an abundance of natural spaces and room to play, while safely distancing from others.

Recommendations for physical activity:

  •  Infants (<1 year) should be physically active several times a day in a variety of ways, particularly through interactive floor-based play—more is better. For those not yet mobile, this includes at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day while awake.
  • Toddlers (1-2 years) should accumulate at least 180 minutes spent in a variety of physical activities at any intensity, including energetic play, spread throughout the day—more is better.
  • Preschoolers (3-4 years) should accumulate at least 180 minutes spent in a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day, of which at least 60 minutes is energetic play—more is better.
  • Children and Youth (5-17 years) should accumulate at least 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity involving a variety of aerobic activities. Vigorous physical activities, and muscle and bone-strengthening activities should each be incorporated at least 3 days per week.
  • Adults (18+ years) should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. It is also beneficial to add muscle and bone-strengthening activities using major muscle groups, at least 2 days per week. More physical activity provides greater health benefits.
  • Older adults (65 years and older) with poor mobility should additionally perform physical activities to enhance balance and prevent falls.

In addition to moving your body, be sure to take time to nourish body & mind. Here are more resources to help support healthy eating & mental health:

Our staff and organization are adjusting to this new reality. We will be adapting our programming to virtual platforms over the coming weeks and finding our place in to aid in the response. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail info@hgrec.com or call us at 250-626-5652, M-F 9AM – 5PM.

Alissa MacMullin

Recreation Coordinator

Haida Gwaii Recreation
250.626.5652

coordinator@hgrec.com
2151 Tahayghen Drive/PO Box 187
www.hgrec.com

16 MARCH 2020:

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve in our Province, Haida Gwaii Recreation is taking the necessary precautions to prevent & protect instructors and participants by limiting programs over Spring Break and suspending ALL registered, drop-in, & supported programs starting the week of March 29th. We are promoting and practicing social distancing in an effort to reduce risk and burden on our local health services in the coming weeks.

From CAO Daniel Fish at North Coast Regional District: 

“As of right now, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 within the northern health authority region. With that said, the situation is dynamic and more information and instructions are coming from governments each day. At the NCRD, operations remain business as usual, with the exception of recreational programming on Haida Gwaii. As the situation continues to evolve, further adjustments to work arrangements and service delivery may be made to better protect against the spread of infection.”

Haida Gwaii Recreation is limiting programs to those with under 15 participants. 

With schools closed for Spring Break, our drop-in programs are currently halted and many registered programs have just completed their winter session. We caution use of public gyms island-wide. Of the handful of programs left, we have the following contingencies in place:

  • Full refunds will be issued to any individuals who wish to stay home at this time
  • Instructors will provide registrants with an outline of safety & hygiene practice for their programs for consideration either in-person or via e-mail

Programs that are confirmed to be continuing with cautionary approaches over the next 2 weeks include:

  • Alternative Fitness – Masset
  • Tabata Training – Masset
  • Dance – Masset
  • Puppet Camp – Masset
  • Art in the Wild Camp – Masset
  • Art & Yoga Camp – Queen Charlotte/Skidegate
  • Public Speaking 1-0-1 – Queen Charlotte

*Please note: programs outside of HG Rec insurance coverage will require notice of cancellation from the hosting organization/studio/gym. For clarification on what programs are under our umbrella, please give us a call (250-626-5652) or email (info@hgrec.com).

Starting the week of March 29th, we will suspend ALL drop-in, registered, and supported programs listed as Service Providers. 

This includes:

  • FREE programs Senior’s Yoga, Alternative Fitness
  • Drop-in programs in ALL schools. Sandspit Rec Committee is also suspending activities in their gym.
  • Registered programs planned for Spring. We have sent notice to instructors of cancellations and will administer refunds for all Spring programs this week.
  • Supported programs island-wide. This includes groups that are under our insurance coverage umbrella  like Sea Cadets. Please contact your program organizer for more information.
  • Gym closures & suspension of weight room orientations.

A final reminder from NCRD: 

“The best source of information on the COVID-19 situation can be found on the BC Centre for Disease Control website at: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19. In addition , individuals can call 8-1-1 if they have questions about personal symptoms.

The COVID-19 situation is still evolving and the Province is providing daily briefings on cases identified in B.C. To keep up to date on all of the latest information, you can sign up to receive emails on this topic at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/subscribe?ministries=health&sectors=government-operations.”

We will provide further updates on our program suspensions, closures & refunds this week. Please contact me directly should you have any questions. Big haawa/thank you to our instructors who have gone above and beyond these past few weeks to diligently sterilize equipment, practice proper hand-washing, acting as advocates for both physical activity & infectious disease prevention!

Alissa MacMullin

Recreation Coordinator

Haida Gwaii Recreation
250.626.5652

coordinator@hgrec.com
2151 Tahayghen Drive/PO Box 187
www.hgrec.com