For the third time in a week, occupancy limits at arenas in Quesnel have changed.
On Oct. 13, 50 spectators were allowed inside the West Fraser Centre. The next day, new rules made it so only 50 people, including athletes and coaches, were allowed inside the arena.
On Friday, Oct. 16, Black Press Media learned the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), viaSport, B.C. Hockey and the Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. are in discussions around the impact of having spectators in indoor facilities, and the BCRPA is recommending to its members that at this time, they not have spectators at indoor games or practices to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
There will be no limit on the number of athletes allowed.
Jeff Norburn is the City of Quesnel’s director of community services, and he said they would be following the new protocols.
“For the time being, no spectators are allowed,” he said. “It is frustrating because the ground keeps shifting.”
The decision was made after the Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver was shut down indefinitely by Vancouver Coastal Health due to a COVID-19 exposure.
“[That exposure] triggered some stronger direction” from public health, Norburn said. “We’ll continue to monitor as things change, but that’s the current position.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated following a conversation with BCRPA CEO Rebecca Tunnacliffe.
READ MORE: Capacity limits back at 50 people total at Quesnel’s West Fraser Centre
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