Red Deer is closing all indoor recreation facilities in response to the Alberta government’s targeted, regional COVID-19 restrictions.
All indoor recreation centres were scheduled to close as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, following the new restrictions announced Thursday.
The new restrictions apply to regions with at least 350 active cases per 100,000 people and also a minimum of 250 active cases.
These new measures, which include the cancellation of all indoor sport and fitness activities, will be in place for a minimum of two weeks, or until the case rate falls below the threshold, whichever is longer.
With more than 700 active cases, Red Deer is experiencing its highest active case rate since the start of the pandemic.
As a result, all household activity reservations, private swim lessons, preschool programming and youth sport programming will be put on hold.
Existing registrations have been cancelled and customers will see refunds or credits applied to their online Look ‘n Book accounts in the coming days.
All those affected will receive an email or a personal call about their cancelled programming. Licensed preschool programming will continue as scheduled.
“We acknowledge that the community is missing recreation opportunities. While we cannot offer indoor activities, we are committed to offering as many recreation activities as possible while operating safely within the public health restrictions,” said Barb McKee, recreation superintendent.
“In addition to our virtual fitness series, our outdoor fitness classes begin next week. We hope our community takes advantage of these and other opportunities for mental, emotional and physical well-being.”