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COVID-19 Operational Plan

Phase 1-Re-opening

Last Update: June 30, 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE 3

COVID-19 3

PHASE 1 – REOPENING 3

ICE HOCKEY / RINGETTE RECOMMENDATIONS 4

FIGURE SKATING / RECREATIONAL SKATING RECOMMENDATIONS 4

SANITATION PRACTICES 5

BOOKING PROCESS 5

PARTICIPANTS, COACHES AND GUARDIANS PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES 6

EMPLOYEE SCREENING 7

ILLNESSES OR SYMPTOMS WITH BOTH STAFF AND PATRONS/PARTICIPANTS 7

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS 8

STAFF CONTACT 8

APPENDIX A – FACILITY LAYOUTS

APPENDIX B – RENTAL CHECKLIST

APPENDIX C – PARENT INFORMATION

APPENDIX D – WAIVER

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PREAMBLE

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RBC CENTRE was instructed by the CAO of the Halifax

Regional Municipality (HRM) to close the facility on March 17, 2020 to the public until further notice.

These instructions have been adhered to and a Phased Re-Opening Plan has been created to document

all protocols and guidelines for patrons and staff to adhere to. The plan will be constantly monitored by

all the management team with the General Manager having final authority to revise. It is of paramount

importance when re-opening to mitigate both potential exposure to the COVID- 19 virus and liability to

the facility.

COVID-19

“The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19 is highly transmissible via respiratory

droplets. As of May 1, 2020, there are 30,104 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada, 1531 (5%) are

in persons less than 19 years of age. Twenty-two persons (1%) have been admitted to hospital, and two

(<1%) have been admitted to the ICU nationally, without any fatalities. Complimentary data from the

United States shows that of 2,572 children with confirmed COVID-19, the mortality was 0.1%.

There is evidence that physical activity, in the form of organized sport, is beneficial for the physical

health, cognitive function, and mental health.” (West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association, "Restarting

Minor Hockey during the Covid-19 Pandemic, May 7, 2020)

RE-OPENING

The RBC CENTRE will allow a soft opening in July which will allow for some activity to return to the

facility. In partnership with HRM and recommendations from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of

Health for the Province of Nova Scotia, we will adhere to the limit of persons allowed in the facility for

each activity. Further openings will also follow these directions and will loosen the protocols as

permitted.

The Re-opening will adhere to the Order of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the

Province of Nova Scotia and limit the combined number of patrons, coaches, spectators, employees and

service providers to 30 or less at one given time per Rink. Physical distancing measures of 6 feet / 2

metres will be enforced both on the ice.

Ice pad D will be operational with ice as of July 6th. Arena A will be operational as of July 13th and Arena

C as of July 20th.

Operational layouts are included as Appendix A for the lobby and Rink D.

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Food and beverage services will not be available in July. The 2nd floor will remain closed to program

participants and spectators. Food & Beverage service will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and will only

operate when it is deemed to be safe to do so for both staff and guests.

No food & beverage is to be brought into the facility. Personal (filled at home) water bottles for

participation in activity will be exempt.

Access to Pad D will be restricted to those viewing pad D only. Spectators for Pad D will view from the

perimeter of the arena only and mindful of proper physical distancing of 6 feet / 2 metres.

The lobby area will be restricted to flow through traffic only and spectators waiting for their players to

finish are not permitted to wait in the lobby. The front entrance will be clearly marked as to which door

to enter and which door is an exit, restricting any cross traffic pattern where at all possible.

Ice rinks start and finish times will be staggered to ensure minimum patron traffic, as well as longer gaps

(30 minutes) between sessions to allow time for proper disinfecting processes to be followed.

Timing and frequency for floods should be determined by each facility in consultation with user groups.

On ice group sizes should follow the recommendations of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of

Health for the Province of Nova Scotia and Hockey Nova Scotia’s Rebound Plan.

ICE HOCKEY / RINGETTE RECOMMENDATIONS

Ice slots will be used for shooting, passing, and skating drills. There will be no games or battle drills and

physical distancing measures will be executed using cones and other forms of markings on the ice and

glass. There should be no activities that allow for line ups where physical distancing is not possible; we

understand this recommendation excludes most adult hockey play. Game play may be permitted in the

future or if there is different direction from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the

Province of Nova Scotia.

FIGURE SKATING / RECREATIONAL SKATING RECOMMENDATIONS

Ice slots will be used for instruction and practice for individuals only. There shall be no dual or pairs

skating allowed during Phase 1. Off-ice warm-ups should be done outside the facility. These

recommendations may be adjusted by direction from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health

for the Province of Nova Scotia. There will be no leisure / recreational / public skating ice slots

permitted in Phase 1.

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THE RBC CENTRE CONTINUE TO EMPLOY THE FOLLOWING SANITATION PRACTICES

• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all commonly touched surfaces such as interior and

exterior door handles, railings, and ice rink gate handles.

• Common areas (Lobby, stairs, mezzanine, counters, etc.) and washrooms (faucets, hand-dryers,

counters, urinals and toilets) to be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis throughout the day.

• Sanitizing staging areas and dressing rooms (if used) between each user group.

• Physical distancing of 6 feet / 2 metres between employees and between employees and the

general public within the facility

• Face masks and plexi-shields will be used where physical distancing cannot be guaranteed.

• Signage will be posted throughout the facility to emphasize to Guests & Staff the importance of

frequent handwashing and proper hygiene practices.

• Floor markings, decals and signage (provided by facility partner if so desired) will be used where

necessary to indicate physical distancing, directional foot traffic, no entry zones and other

restrictions pertinent to reopening and Phase 1.

• Handwashing and sanitizing stations will be available in designated areas.

• The RBC CENTRE journalize and document

a. Any employee symptoms of illness (temperatures if required)

b. Regular, daily, hourly and ‘as needed’ cleaning and disinfecting within the facility

c. Patrons entering the facility complete with venue, time and contact information through

a screening process.

BOOKING PROCESS

As the RBC CENTRE is progressing with a soft reopening we will not be operating as many ice surfaces /

rentable spaces as a normal summer season. Therefore the normal booking process will be different

this summer. Due to operating limited rentable spaces, we may not be able to meet your need for ice /

space this summer. We will work with your group to find what is feasible with less ice times possible.

• Ice / rental contracts will be provided once rental times are agreed to.

• User groups will have to provide proof of insurance (where applicable) prior to participating in

any activity at the RBC CENTRE.

• User groups will sign the agreed to contract, and payment in full prior to starting. At this time

we will only take payments by credit card, e-transfer or cheque, no cash payments permitted.

No in-person payments will be accepted.

• User groups will be provided a copy of the RBC CENTRE COVID-19 Operational Plan and sign

that they have read and agreed to the plan. It is the responsibility of the individual renting the

ice / space times to disseminate the information to all of their users and agree that they clearly

understand the protocols in place and what to expect before arriving at the facility.

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ANY GROUPS USING THE FACILITY MUST HAVE AN OPERATIONAL ACTION PLAN PRIOR TO BOOKING

ANY ICE / SPACE TIME AND BEING ALLOWED USE OF THE FACILITY AND PROVIDE THE PLAN IF

REQUESTED BY THE FACILITY. INDIVIDUAL ICE / SPACE RENTAL USERS MUST ABIDE BY THE FACILITY

OPERATIONAL PLAN AND GUIDELINES.

ALL PARTICIPANTS, COACHES AND GUARDIANS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ABIDE BY THE

FOLLOWING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

• Each group will be required to maintain a daily Participant Roster. It should include Contact

information for each person to assist in any Contact Tracing. The Roster shall be submitted to

the RBC Centre Staff daily. The Roster shall indicate that the participants have been screened

and cleared to play. Failure to submit the Roster or incomplete screening may result in loss of

future ice times.

• While on the premises of the RBC CENTRE (parking lot, within the arena, within dressing rooms,

staging areas and on the playing surface) physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet / 2 metres

separation shall be maintained between patrons, spectators, players on and off the ice, coaches

and players on the ice, and employees of the RBC CENTRE.

• User groups will only be permitted in the building 15 minutes prior to their activity/ice time and

must exit 15 minutes after their session. There will be no early admittance to the facility.

• Participants will be directed to exit and entrances of the facility. There will be signage directing

participants to and from their designated ice surface to control the flow of patrons.

• Participants must come to the facility dressed with the majority of their equipment and ready

for their activity.

• Player’s benches will be off limits at this time.

• Dressing Rooms will be accessible but to a maximum of 10 people per room. No showers

permitted.

• Participants will all use their own water bottles – absolutely no sharing! Please fill at home.

• On ice physical distancing must be practiced at all times.

• Shooting, passing, skating drills are permitted. No games or battle and compete drills.

• Only 1 parent or guardian will be permitted in the building with each participant. No siblings.

• Upon entering the facility, the parent or guardian must go directly to their designated ice rink

and remain in Rink D, Viewing for Rink __D_ will be permitted around the perimeter of the

arena. These areas / stands will be marked to ensure physical distancing is practiced.

• Wearing of gloves will not be permitted by patrons of the facility. Frequent hand washing by

patrons is recommended.

• Face masks are recommended where physical distancing cannot be safely maintained.

• Limit number of patrons in washrooms to two at one time to ensure physical distancing.

• MOST IMPORTANTLY … If a participant, parent, guardian, or coach have recently travelled

outside the country and have not cleared 14 days of self-quarantine or if a participant, parent,

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guardian, or coach are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have had close contact with

someone who has COVID-19 like symptoms, DO NOT PARTICPATE OR ENTER THE FACILTY.

EMPLOYEE SCREENING

In an effort to screen employees prior to entering the facility we will implement a passive screening

process that requires colleagues / Managers asking each other specific screening questions prior to the

start of their shift, as provided by your facility partner or our provincial jurisdiction. This process will

follow Provincial work safe guidelines.

We will also follow provincial guidelines on safe work practices where applicable and work with HRM as

well any local, Joint Health and Safety Committee.

ILLNESSES OR SYMPTOMS WITH BOTH STAFF AND PATRONS/PARTICIPANTS

Patron / Participant – Should a patron / participant develop symptoms during their time in the facility,

they will be given a disposable face mask to wear and the staff interacting with them will wear one as

well. They will be asked to contact 811 as recommended by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of

Health for the Province of Nova Scotia. Should they be tested and found positive for COVID-19, we will

follow the communication protocols listed below.

Staff – If a Staff member develops symptoms of COVID-19 they will be asked to immediately put on their

community face mask and go to the designated health area. From there a Manager will advise them to

contact 811 and log the information, following their recommendations. Should they be recommended

for testing and found positive, we will follow the communication protocols listed below.

One confirmed case of COVID-19 (Individual who tests positive for the virus causing COVID-19); OR Two

or more suspect cases of COVID-19 may lead to facility closure.

Suspect Case:

• An individual that has 2 or more of the following symptoms:

o fever or signs of fever,

o new cough or worsening chronic cough,

o runny nose,

o headache,

o sore throat,

o new onset of fatigue,

o new onset of muscle pain,

o diarrhea or

o loss of taste or smell; or

• An individual displaying purple fingers or toes even as the only symptom.

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The facility cannot reopen until advised by Public Health. Regional Public Health will be involved to

manage the outbreak and ensure contacts are identified; public health measures are in place and will

lead any communication that is required.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

Should there be a single confirmed case or two suspected cases of COVID-19 of staff and/or patrons, we

will immediately contact Public Health as well as Senior Management for Nustadia Recreation and HRM.

We will follow any/all recommendations from Public Health at that time. We have email and phone

numbers for everyone that enters the facility through our screening process and can communicate as

needed. Our assumed protocol will be that if anyone at the facility is diagnosed with COVID that we will

send out notification to all patrons and staff that attended at the same time as that individual. We will

make initial contact by email and ask for them to confirm receipt. For those who do not confirm receipt

we will follow up by phone. Facility Management must follow the direction of Public Health who may

complete this process, please follow your local protocols.

STAFF CONTACTS

Bill Cruickshank, General Manager

Email bcruickshank@nustadia.com

Cell – 902-483-2427

Office – 902-377-4226

Mike Busby, Operations Manager

Email mbusby@bmocentrehalifax.com

Cell – 902-229-3469

Deb Nickel, Finance and Administration Manager

Email dnickel@bmocentrehalifax.com

Cell – 902-456-5106

Office – 902-377-4206

It's important to understand that this is not “business as usual”. We are venturing into a “new normal”

with these procedures. Our goal is to create a safe and healthy environment for staff and users by

making the necessary adjustments to help limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. We are confident that

by adhering to the above noted policies and procedures, while continuing to work with Office of the

Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Nova Scotia and HRM that we can safely reopen the

RBC CENTRE.

Submitted by __________

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Appendix A - Draft Proximity Layout

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Appendix B - Checklist

RBC Centre Rental Group Checklist

Rules for initial re-opening to keep patrons, players and staff safe.

Prior to signing contract and gaining access to the facility:

Waiver form must be signed prior to first rental, no exceptions. All payments must be made

through e-transfer, credit card or cheque prior to the first rental. There will be no in-person

bookings or payments until further notice.

Insurance certificate must be submitted prior to first rental. NRI & HRM must be added to

insurance as 3rd party. HRM offers short term insurance program and more information can be

found at https://programs.aon.ca/authentication/event-insure/account/signin2-en.html

Maximum of 30 permitted on the ice and social distancing must always be enforced. This

number includes coaches & players. The Rental group must be able to produce a practice plan, if

asked, as to drills and insuring social distancing at all times. Hockey Nova Scotia’s Rebound Plan

is strongly recommended to all hockey related groups.

The organizer must submit a list of participants every day of the rental agreement. The

Participant Roster must show that each player/coach has been cleared to play by answering

screening questions. Failure to submit roster or incomplete screening may forfeit future rentals.

Those participating during on ice activities must come ready to play. Do not arrive more than 15

minutes prior to rental as access to the facility may be denied. Do not ask staff for early access

to the facility or dressing rooms. It is imperative that groups come prepared to play.

Dressing rooms will be available BUT with a maximin of 10 people per room. Dressing rooms will

only be available 15 minutes prior to each rental. No keys will be distributed for dressing rooms

Groups must exit the facility 15 minutes after rental to allow for cleaning of dressing rooms and

high traffic areas prior to next group.

ALL Player Benches are off limits until further notice.

No showers are permitted.

No access to the 2nd floor

Players should bring their own water bottle, already filled

Masks are not mandatory at this time but are strongly encouraged.

It is recommended that no more than one parent per player be allowed to watch the practice

and must social distance at all times. NO SIBLINGS permitted at this time.

Be mindful of signage in the facility and always follow directions from staff.

Failure to comply with the above may result in forfeiture of future rentals.

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Appendix C – Parent Information

Dear Parents

✓ Please leave gear bags at home. Players must come dressed and ready to play

✓ Only bring skates, skate guards, gloves, stick, helmet and their own water bottle (clearly

labeled with their name). Leave valuables at home.

✓ Arrive 15 minutes before ice time, no sooner

✓ Make sure player(s) check in with coach and answer screening questions

✓ One parent permitted per player to watch. Please check with your groups organizer as they

be limiting access to the facility.

✓ No siblings at this time.

✓ Dressing rooms are being used but only 10 people maximum per room

✓ Social distancing should be encouraged at all times

✓ Masks are encouraged but not mandatory

✓ No loitering in lobby

✓ Players can be picked by outside of the front doors

✓ All player benches are off limits

✓ Players must exit facility within 15 minutes of the practice ending

✓ No showers permitted

✓ No access to 2nd floor to watch practice. Practice may only be viewed around the perimeter

of the arena.

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Appendix D - Waiver

Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19

***PLEASE READ CAREFULLY***

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health

Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person

contact. As a result, federal, provincial, and local governments such as the Halifax Regional Municipality

(“HRM”) and federal and provincial health agencies recommend social distancing and have, in many

locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people.

HRM and Nustadia Recreation Inc (“NRI”) has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of

COVID-19 at the Centennial Arena however, HRM and NRI cannot guarantee that you or the members of

your association or sports league who are participating in the organized sports or similar activities will not

become infected with COVID-19. Further, attending the HRM facility to participate in organized sports or

similar activities could increase your participants’ risk of contracting COVID-19.

HRM recommends that the [Insert Name of Sports Association or League] inform each individual

participant of this agreement. [Insert Name of Sports Association or League] may wish to obtain waivers

from each individual participant.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

[Insert Name of Sports Association or League] understands that this Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of

Liability agreement is in addition to, and is not a substitute for, any other rental agreement, documentation

or registration information that the [Insert Name of Sports Association or League] might be required to

execute by HRM and/or NRI in order to permit the [Insert Name of Sports Association or League] to rent

and use the RBC Centre.

By signing this agreement, [Insert Name of Sports Association or League] acknowledges the contagious

nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assumes the risk that its participants may be exposed to or infected by

COVID-19 by attending the facility and participating in the organized sports or similar activities and that

such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. [Insert

Name of Sports Association or League] understands that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by

COVID-19 by attending the facility and participating in the organized sports or similar activities may result

from the actions, omissions, or negligence of [Insert Name of Sports Association or League] and others,

including, but not limited to, HRM, NRI, including its employees and volunteers, and program participants

and their families.

[INSERT NAME OF SPORTS ASSOCIATION OR LEAGUE] VOLUNTARILY AGREES TO

ASSUME ALL OF THE FOREGOING RISKS AND ACCEPTS SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY

INJURY TO THOSE ATTENDING THE OUTDOOR FACILITY AND PARTICIPATING IN THE

ORGANIZED SPORTS OR SIMILAR ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,

PERSONAL INJURY, DISABILITY, AND DEATH), ILLNESS, DAMAGE, LOSS, CLAIM,

LIABILITY, OR EXPENSE, OF ANY KIND, THAT [INSERT NAME OF SPORTS ASSOCIATION OR

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LEAGUE] OR THOSE ATTENDING THE FACILITY AND PARTICIPATING IN THE ORGANIZED

SPORTS OR SIMILAR ACTIVITIES MAY EXPERIENCE OR INCUR IN CONNECTION WITH THE

PARTICIPANTS ATTENDANCE AT THE FACILITY OR PARTICIPATION IN THE ORGANIZED

SPORTS OR SIMILAR ACTIVITIES (“CLAIMS”). THE [INSERT NAME OF SPORTS

ASSOCIATION OR LEAGUE] HEREBY RELEASES, COVENANTS NOT TO SUE, DISCHARGES,

AND HOLDS HARMLESS NUSTADIA RECREATION INC, HALIFAX REGIONAL

MUNICIPALITY, ITS MAYOR, COUNCILLORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND

REPRESENTATIVES, OF AND FROM THE CLAIMS, INCLUDING ALL LIABILITIES, CLAIMS,

ACTIONS, DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING

THERETO.

[INSERT NAME OF SPORTS ASSOCIATION OR LEAGUE] UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT

THIS RELEASE INCLUDES ANY CLAIMS BASED ON THE ACTIONS, OMISSIONS, OR

NEGLIGENCE OF NRI AND HRM, ITS MAYOR, COUNCILLORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND

REPRESENTATIVES, WHETHER A COVID-19 INFECTION OCCURS BEFORE, DURING, OR

AFTER PARTICIPATION IN ANY ACTIVITY OR PROGRAM.

[Insert Name of Sports Association or League]

______________________

Signature

By signing above, I confirm I have authority to bind the [Insert Name of Sports Association or

League]

______________________

Print Name

______________________

Date