Greetings,
Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful summer. It has been a warm one has it not! Nice to think that we will soon be on the ice. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were just that simple!
Two months ago, it seemed that this would be a “normal” curling year with us moving into Stage four of the re-opening plan with few if any bumps in the road – and we still might! But it seems that we are instead entering a 4th covid wave led by Delta, the new variant. Though the rising case numbers have not as yet led to new provincial restrictions, that is a very real possibility, and the present situation still leaves us with some challenges as individuals, as members of a curling club and as a club.
As I have stated in the past, I remain committed to protecting our members as best we can, following the guidelines and protocols as set out by the PHO, viaSport, and local Health officials and acting upon the advice of Curl Canada and Curl BC. We have convened a Covid committee to advise the Board about covid protocols to guide our club through this season. No matter what rules we adopt, we cannot totally eliminate the risk of catching or carrying covid and the protocols we adopt will not likely satisfy everyone. I think we want to keep those protocols to a minimum, so we accomplish the above goals but have a minimum impact on the game and the social aspects of the club. If it is not fun, what is the point.
The case numbers and the situation are changing nearly daily, so we are being patient. Making a decision too early may force us to make changes early in the season, a situation I don’t think anyone wants to repeat. I understand that people want to know the ground rules before registration. So, what is the balance? The committee meets next week and will make a recommendation to the Board on August 30th. We will inform you of the protocols after that meeting and before on-line registration on August 8.
In the meantime, I would urge all those who have not had their two shots to line up for the “jab”. The medical experts (not the online medical experts) tell us that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and those around you. That includes the curlers you ride with to the next bonspiel, the guy sweeping beside you, the people sharing the sheet with you, the lead who buys the next jug of beer and the lady in the locker next to yours. We all deserve as much protection as we can give ourselves and each other.
I welcome your feedback and suggestions.
Contact me at – gmwallington@shaw.ca
Stay Safe
Cheers
Gord Wallington
President