There'll be no hockey played at the Servus Arena or any other Red Deer rinks until at least Nov. 28 (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard and Sheldon Spackman

"We all must do our part"

Local businesses understand need to limit COVID-19 spread

Nov 13, 2020 | 5:39 PM

Some local businesses say they’re willing to do their part after the provincial government’s announcement of additional measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Premier Jason Kenney said Thursday that indoor group sports and fitness classes in major centres have to stop for a two-week period through Nov. 27 to try to slow the soaring rate of cases in the province. The restrictions apply to Red Deer, Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Fort McMurray.

Bonnee Gregg and Krista Nymark Vandenbrink, co-owners of Breathing Room Yoga Studio and Café in Red Deer, say switching to an online platform during the previous shutdown this past spring left them well-prepared for this latest announcement.

“It’s been a pretty seamless transition for our yogis, today. We we’re ready to roll with it first thing this morning starting with our 6 a.m. class,” Vandenbrink shared. “All of our classes are still moving forward, we’re just transitioning then to an online platform so they can practice at home.”

Gregg says they owe it to the community and everyone who’s supported them over the past nine months to do their part to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.

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“We’re in the business of health and wellness. We want to do our part to help our community stay safe. So closing our business in the in-person sense and going virtual, if that’s what we have to do we’re happy to contribute.”

Red Deer Minor Hockey General Manager Dallas Gaume says they were expecting additional measures to be coming soon, but not a total shutdown when it comes to indoor team sports.

“No one is real pleased about it. We want to keep these kids on the ice and playing and developing and enjoying the game, but also we understand that there are measures the government needs to take in order to try to slow the spread and get it a little more under control, because numbers obviously have been rising,” Gaume acknowledged.

“It’s two-fold, you’re disappointed for the kids, yet you also understand that sometimes there’s people in higher positions than us that need to make these types of decisions for the good of the province.”

Gaume says they’re encouraging all of their teams and players to be responsible over the next two weeks so they get back to doing what they love.

“Try to avoid gatherings or parties or whatever the case may be… We want to be playing again on the 28^th so let’s all be responsible and do our part.”

The province is also making bars, lounges and pubs in enhanced watch areas stop serving alcohol by 10 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.

Bo’s Bar and Stage owner Brennen Wowk says they’ll continue doing whatever is in the best interest of public health.

“Since reopening, Bo’s Bar and Stage and the hospitality industry at large have been leaders in providing a safe environment for Albertans seeking dining, and socialization in the COVID era,” said Wowk. “Industry operators have spent immeasurable time and resources installing PPE and modifying operations to align with suggested Alberta Health guidelines. Industry operators have worked closely with Government, Alberta Health and AHS in developing safe operating systems. Our industry believes in keeping our customers and team members as safe as possible.”

Bo’s has also cancelled all live events slated for the next two weeks with hopes of rescheduling them. Ticket holders for these events have been notified.

“As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Alberta, consider our industry and all the other business sectors taking steps to keep Albertan’s safe. We all must do our part,” Wowk urges. “Choose to dine out in lieu of having that private gathering. Choose to shop local and keep our economy alive. Limit your exposure to large groups whenever possible. We are all in this together and keeping each other safe is in all our best interests.”