Following new requirements announced on August 24 by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), members and visitors using BC’s curling clubs will need to show proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination by September 13th, 2021, and full immunization by October 24^th, 2021.

The PHO has ordered that proof of vaccination will be needed to attend any and all non-essential services, including indoor ticketed sporting events, restaurants and nightclubs, fitness centres and gyms, indoor high-intensity group exercise activities, organized indoor events, and discretionary organized indoor group recreational activities. The intent and spirit of this order, and the activities specifically outlined, clearly encompass the sport of curling, as well as the off-ice social and administrative activities at curling clubs.

Additionally, curling clubs must obey the reinstatement of the indoor mask mandate announced on August 25^th, 2021. While the order does allow for the removal of masks during physical activity, or while seated at a table in a restaurant/pub/bar, Curl BC does recommend that curlers keep their masks on indoors as much as possible.

Curl BC supports the direction of the PHO and appreciates the concept of proof of vaccination to enter indoor facilities and participate in sports or recreational activities. The order will advance us positively in our efforts to establish and maintain a normal curling season. It will allow clubs to keep the lights on, ice to be made, staff to be employed, and for the province’s curling community to keep playing the game we all love so much.

Along with the required vaccinations and masks, Curl BC recommends social distancing consistent with Step 3 recommendations of the PHO. This means that teams can have two players sweeping a stone, and can once again sweep their opponents’ rocks behind the tee line.

Curl BC also recommends self-monitoring for any symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, and a new loss of taste or smell), seeking medical attention and avoiding attendance in curling facilities until the health situation is diagnosed and resolved.

We will continue to closely monitor pandemic developments, and will issue new statements and direction as soon as provincial health orders change. We are here to help our member facilities in the implementation of the proof of vaccination order, so please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns to dsarti@curlbc.ca.