While the Western Hockey League season has been paused until further notice, due to the coronavirus pandemic, other events at Westerner Park are expected to continue without interruption.
“This is an evolving situation that we are continually monitoring and adapting to,” Westerner Park said in a recent statement.
Westerner Park looks to Alberta Health Services for updates, the statement said.
As of Wednesday, “AHS has assessed the risk level of Albertans being exposed to the virus and contracting COVID-19 as very low.”
Westerner Park has business continuity plans, which consider the risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that could impact the workplace and guests to the facility.
The organization follows the direction and best practices of AHS and the Alberta occupational health and safety legislation protocol for respiratory viruses in the workplace.
“Westerner Park’s current cleaning and hygiene standards already meet the best practices, and we take that very seriously. Venues are completely and properly cleaned for every change over of event.”
The statement says there is plenty of access to public washrooms for hand washing, hand sanitizers and proper hand washing guidelines for guests and staff.
As a precautionary measure, the organization is increasing the frequency of cleaning and adding additional hand sanitizing stations.
“The health and safety of our guests and staff are a top priority.”
Westerner Park isn’t the only venue in Red Deer monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19. Staff members at the Memorial Centre are also keeping an eye on the situation.
Darrel Dixon, operations/technical manager with Central Alberta Theatre, which runs the Memorial Centre, says there are “always concerns” events may be cancelled, but the coronavirus hasn’t impacted the facility at this time.
“We’re monitoring the official government sources to see if there are any recommendations,” said Dixon.
For more information on COVID-19, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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