50 per cent capacity to be allowed at hockey games, theatre presentations as APH measures come into effect

While additional measures announced by Algoma Public Health (APH) Friday to contain the spread of COVID-19 go into effect today, devoted spectators at games played by clubs such as the Soo Greyhounds will not be as strongly affected by those measures.

Dr. Jennifer Loo, APH medical officer of health and CEO, held a virtual review of the new measures for members of the media Monday.

“During Step 2 there was very little sporting activity and organized sports happening. What did happen, certainly, were national and Olympic level, professional and elite sports were exempted and they continue to be exempted  The Greyhounds are listed to be exempted from these measures. Beyond that there are very few exemptions,” Loo said.

Under the new measures, the number of spectators at an indoor facility (such as a Hounds game) must not exceed 50 per cent of the usual indoor seating capacity, or 10,000 persons, whichever is less.

“We have already been working with local community stakeholders to make sure that the capacity limits are respected in venues like the arena,” Loo said.

While such exceptions apply to professional and elite sport leagues or associations, APH has stated “every person in a fitness or exercise class must maintain a physical distance of three metres from every other person; and team sports or games (such as high school sports and minor hockey) must not be played or practiced unless they have been modified to avoid personal contact.”      

“There is no honest way where you can continue to have Pee Wee hockey and avoid close contact, so at this time these facilities can continue to be open but for very limited activity, like the three metres distance, training or individual training,” Loo said.

As far as the performing arts are concerned, the new measures state “the number of members of the public at an indoor seated concert, event, performance or movie within a concert venue, theatre or cinema at any one time must not exceed 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity for the concert venue, theatre or cinema, or 10,000 persons, whichever is less.”

The Sault Theatre Workshop, in a release, states “according to Algoma Public Health details, Sault Theatre Workshop is allowed 50 per cent capacity at our theatre presentation with the new restrictions of November 29. There is confusion with some of the public because the publicity is focused on ‘indoor social gatherings limited to 10.’”

To clarify its position and plans, STW states “our normal capacity at our Studio Theatre is 108, so 50 per cent would be 54. However as an extra precaution for a safer presentation our board of directors has decided to cut back further and declare a capacity of 30 patrons per performance. This will allow extra spacing. Since all attendees must show proof of double vaccination and provide contact information we feel we can present our play more safely.”

The STW release comes as it gets ready to present Miracle On South Division Street at Sault Theatre Workshop’s Studio Theatre Dec. 1 to 5.

The Algoma Repertory Theatre's production of A Christmas Story is a go, according to its Facebook page which says, "The Community Theatre Centre does an incredible job in their safely measures. Only every second row is seated and there are 2 seats between your party and another."

A Christmas Story will run Dec. 16-19

As for other gatherings, APH said Friday “these limits apply to social gatherings that happen before or after weddings, funerals, and religious services and ceremonies; the limits do not apply to the wedding, funeral, or religious service or ceremony itself (but physical distancing requirements do apply, as do other capacity limits, depending on the place where the ceremony is held).”

A detailed listing of the measures put in place by APH may be found here.