CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

At Co-op Place today, others next week

City to use Restrictions Exemption Program at select facilities

Sep 23, 2021 | 5:05 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The City of Medicine Hat will implement the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) at some city facilities.

The REP will go into effect at Co-op Place at 9 p.m. tonight. On Sept. 28 the program will go into effect at the Esplanade and on Oct. 1 it will go into effect at the Family Leisure Centre and Kinplex.

There are no plans to introduce the program at the Hockey Hounds Arena at this time.

Where the program is implemented, anyone 12 years of age and older, not entering the facility as part of a youth sports organization, will be required to show an immunization record with at least a single dose of COVID-19 vaccination will be accepted between Sept. 23 and Oct. 25 provided it was received two weeks before. After Oct. 25 proof of double vaccination will be required for entry.

People can also show proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test no more than 72 hours before entry or a medical exemption letter to gain entry.

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The city adds anyone 18 years and older must also produce valid, government-issued identification. Patrons under the age of 12 will be permitted to enter the city-facility without being subject to screening.

The REP will be introduced in the city through a phased approach in order to accommodate user groups and general participation.

Mandatory masking requirements and physical distancing remain in place at all city facilities.

Public facilities not implementing the REP will continue to follow Alberta Health restrictions, including reduced occupancy and programming adjustments.

The city continues to encourage all eligible residents to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and follow the restrictions that are currently in place, and to show compassion, empathy and tolerance to our fellow community members.