More people wanting to watch hockey in person at Lloydminster’s hockey venues will be allowed to, but it will look different due to COVID-19 rules.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says more people can gather at Lloydminster’s arenas, provided physical distancing can be maintained. The City says in response, they have set unique gathering numbers for all of the rinks around the Border City.
At the Centennial Civic Centre, 110 people will be allowed to sit in either the North or South seating area, with only one available per session to allow for proper disinfecting.
At the Servus Sports Centre, the Rusway Construction Arena will allow 89 people in the spectator area, with six people in the downstairs viewing area. In the Robert B Holmes Arena, 41 people will be allowed in the spectator area, and six each in the downstairs and upstairs glass viewing.
North and south entrances will be available to get into the Servus Sports Centre.
At the Russ Robertson Area, the seating area will allow for 30, the west standing area 15, and spectators and gatherings will not be allowed in the foyer.
City adds rules for people attending games
Other rules, the City explains, include not arriving any earlier than ten minutes before the event, and leaving immediately after. Spectators cannot enter the audience until it has been properly disinfected.
Physical distancing must be maintained unless from the same home cohort, cheering and whistling should be minimized, and celebratory gestures that involve contact, like high fives or handshakes, are not permitted. Parents must also accompany small children at all times.
It’s also asked that people pick up garbage before leaving to help staff with disinfecting, and stay home if they are sick. Wearing of masks is not mandatory, but encouraged if someone so chooses to wear one.
In a statement, Mayor Gerald Aalbers says these changes are a step in the right direction, and they’ll continue to work with the Saskatchewan Government and health officials to determine similar guidelines for other sports.
He adds that although COVID-19 cases are slightly increasing across Saskatchewan, mitigation efforts in place will allow the facilities to remain open.