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By Tiffany Goodwein

Province announces team and school sports allowed come Monday

Feb 6, 2021 | 10:30 AM

EDMONTON, AB- Following months of pleas from parents, kids, and sports groups, the province announced Saturday a loosening of restrictions for children and youth activities.

Children and youth will be allowed to participate in lessons, practices, and conditioning activities for indoor and outdoor team-based minor sports and athletics. The loosened restrictions come into effect Feb. 8.

All games continue to be prohibited, according to the province.

“Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the health and well-being of children and youth province-wide. While these activities are included in Step 1, there are strong measures in place that must continue to be followed. Let’s all continue doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health system that every Albertan relies on.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health said.

“Despite this small change, one thing remains the same: we all need to be cautious and make safe choices to limit the spread of COVID-19. It is vital that everyone involved diligently follows the health measures as we move forward. Together, we can continue to reduce the spread and keep protecting our health system, ” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health.

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Still, while the province lifted some restrictions on children’s activities, strong public health measures remain in place:

• All participants must be 18 years old or younger, excluding coaches or trainers.
• A maximum of 10 individuals, including all coaches, trainers and participants, can participate.
• All participants must maintain physical distancing from each other at all times.
• Participants must be masked at all times, except when engaged in physical activity.
• Coaches and trainers must remain masked at all times.
• There must be limited access to change rooms, including for accelerated arrival and departure, for emergencies and for washroom use.