The JBS Canada Centre in Brooks (CHAT News File Photo)

By Chris Brown

Brooks not implementing Restrictions Exemption Program at two facilities

Sep 21, 2021 | 12:20 PM

BROOKS, AB – The City of Brooks has reversed course and will not Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) at the Centennial Regional Arena and the JBS Canada Centre.

The city originally said it would implement to program last week.

In a statement, the city says that upon review it was determined the best course of action is to operate within restrictions of one-third of fire code capacity, masking, physical distancing and screening. There is no vaccine requirement.

The changes were made following further clarity provided by the public health order that was released by the province over the weekend and will take effect Sept. 21.

“In our initial plan, we felt we made the proper decision that would maximize access to the facilities, given the limited options provided by the Province,” says CAO Alan Martens in the statement. “Upon further review of the Order that was released over the weekend, we felt these changes were necessary.”

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Facility user groups can choose whether or not to run programs using REP or with restrictions in place. In addition to this, all adult group recreation programs must operate under REP in order to provide this service.

For user groups and recreation programs that implement REP, those 12 years of age and older will require proof of vaccination, documentation of a medical exemption or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service.

This will enable facilities accessed by user groups to operate at full capacity, says the city. Proof of a single dose of vaccine is considered acceptable from Sept. 20-Oct. 25, if the dose was given more than two weeks before the time of service. After this date, proof of double vaccination is required.

The City of Brooks says the situation is still evolving and further changes could be made.