Is Your Restart Plan Ready?
As part of Phase 2 of the Provincial Government BC Restart Plan, gym and recreation centres are considered for re-opening but only if they can minimize risk and meet certain requirements. Dr. Bonnie Henry states: “People who own gyms and fitness centres can start their process [of re-opening] — and they should be doing that already to meet the requirements — and those who can, can look at starting to open starting after the coming long weekend.”
Although the “requirements” are not perfectly clear, we can use common sense to ensure gyms and recreation centres are opened safely.
Are you ready? Have you, as a Council, thought about what will be required to reopen the recreation facilities at your property?
Veronica Franco from Clark Wilson LLP. authored the following article: Clark Wilson Rec. Facilities. At the core, the plan must implement measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
Here Are Some Things To Consider
What are the recreation facilities you are contemplating re-opening?
Not all facilities will have the same requirements. Guest suites for example may fall under Phase 3 in the BC Restart Plan as they could be considered hotels/lodging. For pools, see Vancouver Coastal Health Poster.
What is the size of the facility being re-opened?
Size is important for establishing physical distancing.
How many people can reasonably use the facility while meeting the minimum physical distance?
Err on the side of caution when determining this number. Consider restricting visitors or guests to the building from utilizing the facility, including personal trainers.
How will you enforce limiting the number of people?
A sign-up sheet, a time limit, a maximum number per household per week should be considered… also, who will be monitoring this?
How will the equipment and facility be kept clean?
Who is expected to supply the cleaning product and conduct the cleaning? It would be reasonable to expect users of the equipment to clean before and after use. Consider propping internal doors open to avoid contact with high touch areas. If the strata is expecting residents to clean the equipment, purchase, and place the supplies around the facility so they are easy to locate.
Put hand sanitizer at the front door for use before entering and exiting. Have waste bins with disposable plastic liners placed around the facility for easy disposal by site staff. If there is an expectation for site cleaning staff to increase the frequency of cleaning these facilities, consider times of the day and close the facility for these cleaning times. Record dates, times, and locations of these cleanings.
How will the Residents be informed of these new rules/use restrictions?
Clear signage at the entry point and around the facility will be the best way to communicate the new requirements.
- Place signs at entrances telling people not to enter if they are feeling ill.
- Post reminders about physical distancing.
- Post hand washing signs in washrooms and changing rooms.
- Post signage indicating the limitations on the number of occupants.
- Ensure signs contain clear language that is easy to understand. When possible, use signs that include diagrams and pictures.
Many of the necessary signage is found at the BC Centre of Disease Control website.
What if someone ignores the new requirements?
It would be best for the strata corporation to pass a Rule specific to facility use during COVID-19. This rule can be used in conjunction with your existing Rules. If Residents violate these Rules, access to the facility can be denied (Section 134 of SPA), and or fines can be levied (Section 135 of SPA).
Some strata corporations may wish to implement a waiver for Residents to sign. If a waiver is implemented, consideration needs to be given for how to administer this (signing, returning, storing). It would also be recommended to have a lawyer draft this waiver.
Next steps?
Step 1: Determine the appropriate re-start plan for your community.
Step 2: Establish a cleaning schedule and purchase supplies. Involve your cleaning staff in this process.
Step 3: Communicate this plan to the Residents.
Step 4: Post signage on the door and around the common facility.
Step 5: Monitor, adjust, and communicate as restrictions ease and tighten.
Although restrictions are easing across Vancouver and the rest of the Province, a careful approach is strongly encouraged. Each property is unique, and your requirements may be different for re-opening. Please consult with government documentation for the complete list of recommended procedures in order to re-open your community safely. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.
Many of the necessary signage is found at the BC Centre of Disease Control website.