Of course, as with many long-standing traditions in the era of COVID-19, traditions must be adapted to ensure that our community stays healthy and safe. Fortunately for Halifax, the city’s most popular outdoor skating destination has done just that; the Emera Oval is open for the season – complete with updated health and safety protocols. Read on to find out what’s changed for 2022.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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In consultation with public health, new COVID-19 safety measures for the Emera Oval include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
– proof of COVID-19 vaccination
– reduced ice capacity
– first-come-first-serve access
– mandatory masks in the building and on the ice
– paused skate and helmet rentals<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIce Capacity<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
This year, the Emera Oval will have a reduced capacity to follow current public health guidelines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Effective Monday, December 27, the Emera Oval will be allowing a maximum capacity of 230 skaters per skate time.<\/strong> With this capacity, physical distancing may not always be possible, which is why non-medical masks will now be mandatory at all times, including on the ice surface<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Once reaching the capacity of 230 skaters, the Oval cannot allow more people in, even if some of the initial 230 leave.\u00a0<\/strong>Otherwise, it would be exceeding its allowed capacity for that given skate time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Staff will continue to work with public health to adjust protocols on an as-needed basis to ensure the safety of participants and staff.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u00a0<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIce Access<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Ice access will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis until the maximum capacity of 230 participants has been reached.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to register<\/strong> for a session with an instructor: <\/strong>
1. Online<\/span>: Register online here<\/a><\/strong>
2. By Phone<\/span>: Call 902-490-6666<\/strong> anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
NOTE: Once registered, be sure to check the Emera Oval schedule online, as weather and ice conditions can cancel an open skate session.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSkate & Helmet Rentals<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Equipment rentals, including skates and helmets, will not be available at this time, therefore, residents will be required to bring their own equipment.<\/strong>\u00a0CSA-approved multi-impact hockey helmets are mandatory for children 12 years of age and under however, all skaters are encouraged to wear a helmet, for their own safety. Please note red skating helpers will not be available this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u00a0<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMasks<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A reminder to skaters that as per the provincial public health order, non-medical face masks are required in all indoor public places, including hallways and washrooms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Effective Monday, Dec. 27 non-medical masks are mandatory at all times, including on the ice surface.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u00a0<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEmera Oval Info & Updates<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For updates on the Emera Oval, residents can visit halifax.ca\/emera-oval<\/a>, or follow on Twitter at @hfxrec<\/a> and @hfxgov<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Please note that there will not be any skating lessons, or other programming offered at the Oval this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u00a0<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGet out there, enjoy the winter weather, and stay safe!<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u00a0<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\nRediscover Halifax<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re a local looking for staycation ideas, visiting from further away, or planning a future adventure, get inspired to discover the Halifax region with the latest local and traveller photos from Halifax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tag @DiscoverHalifax<\/strong> on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>, and @hfxnovascotia<\/strong> on Twitter<\/a>, or simply use #DiscoverHalifax<\/strong><\/a> to share your Halifax adventures with us!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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