Alberta minor sports teams can resume training Monday, with some restrictions

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Alberta government announced it will be loosening some COVID-19 health restrictions related to school and team sports beginning next week.

As of Monday, school and minor sport training will be permitted in Alberta with some limitations.

Kids and teens who play indoor or outdoor team-based minor sports are being given the green light to practise and participate in lessons and conditioning activities. The organization of games is still prohibited.

Only 10 people are permitted to train together. That includes all coaches, trainers and participants.

It’s part of the first step in Alberta’s strategy to ease COVID-19 health restrictions across the province.

BREAKING: The province to allow minor team sports to practice on Monday as part of the phase one roll-out. Prior to this it was only school-based sports which caused some confusion. Now, kids under 18 will be able to do limited indoor and outdoor activities. #yyc #COVID19AB pic.twitter.com/5YYg9ctSeT

— Jessika Guse (@JessikaGuse) February 6, 2021

“Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the health and well-being of children and youth provincewide,” said Minister of Health Tyler Shandro in a release. “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.”

READ MORE: As hospitalizations drop, Alberta prepares to relax restrictions on Monday

The province is calling it a “limited” measure as some public-health measures are still in effect for the indoor and outdoor activities.

The kids, for instance, must maintain physical distancing from each other while training and wear a mask when not engaging in physical activity.

Meanwhile coaches and trainers must always wear a mask.

There will also be limited access to changing rooms.

“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,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw in the release. “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 heath system.”

The Alberta government says a decision will be taken about moving into the second step of the four-phase reopening strategy if there are fewer than 450 hospitalizations after three weeks.

There are currently 475 Albertans in hospital due to COVID-19.