The National Sports Centre will reopen today [June 16] with Covid-19 related restrictions in place.
Craig Tyrrell, the NSC’s SVP Operations Manager, said: “There are a number of changes we have put in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of all users of the facility. All groups are required to manage their own activities, following the guidelines set out by the NSC and your individual organizations and for phase 3 the guidelines for group activity remains at 20 people.
“All organizations using the facility for group activities will be required to provide the NSC with their organization’s guidelines for minimizing the transmission of Covid-19. These guidelines should also be shared with each member prior to them using the facility.
“Individual organizations will also be responsible for keeping accurate records of those in attendance on training days in the event the Health Department requires information for contact tracing purposes.”
The following restrictions that will be in place:
Facility restrictions:
- People must check in at Gatehouse/Reception booth on their way in.
- Temperature will be taken at the Gatehouse/Reception booth. If the temperature is above normal even slightly, people will be turned away.
- People are expected to use hand sanitizer that is located on the reception booth upon arrival and when leaving the facility.
- Masks must be worn when entering and exiting the facility at all times but may be removed when participating in training activity.
- Changing rooms will be closed.
- Physical distancing – people will be expected to adhere to physical distancing when using the facility. Users are asked they when they come to use the facility and leave immediately after.
Amy Fox, Aquatics & Fitness Manager, said that the pool will be staying at 25 metres for the foreseeable future so allow for availability of 16 lanes and physical distancing to take place. Members are not required to book lanes in advance for swimming.
“We will, however, be limiting members to two swimmers per lane, and, where possible, encouraging swimmers to swim in their own lanes rather than sharing lanes.
“Lane availability will be first come first serve as usual. There will be times when clubs will be using the pool as well as potentially sometimes that the pool may be exclusively booked for clubs. If you want to come at a quieter time, we advise coming when the pool is fully open to lap swimming when no clubs are in. As normal this will all be on our website here.”
She said that there will be a booking system in place for the gym as “we need to keep numbers down to ensure we are adhering to physical distancing”.
“If you are coming to use the gym, please call ahead at 295-8085 and book a time slot. There are two hand sanitizer dispensers located in the gym for use as well as wipes for wiping down gym equipment. Please ensure you are wiping down equipment before and after use.
“Lifeguards and NSC staff will be wiping down surfaces such as handrails, gym equipment, door handles etc. regularly throughout the day. Lifeguards will also be enforcing physical distancing and will be monitoring the number of individuals in the facility.”
Ms. Fox added: “We ask that you bear with us during this time as the guidelines and restrictions may be fast changing. Please also note that all memberships were put on hold from March 20 and will be automatically extended by the amount of time we have been closed.
“We thank you in advance for your support and patience as we navigate new operational activity and we look forward to any feedback that you may have to assist us in providing a safe space for all.”
From today the NSC’s main gates will be open from 6:30am to 8pm.
The Aquatics & Fitness Centre’s hours are:
- Monday – Thursday 6:30am – 7:30pm
- Fridays 6:30am – 7:00pm
- Saturdays 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Sundays 9:00am – 4:00pm
