COVID-19 Message from the President
Sturgeon Hockey Family,
Update: The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, Chief Executive Officer, and Scott Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer, on the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Without question, this an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world. The health and safety of all participants in sport, including players, coaches, staff, officials, fans, family, volunteers and the general public, is of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada.
After much consultation with the Hockey Canada membership, our chief medical officer and public health officials, the Hockey Canada Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities*, including our national championships, until further notice, effective Friday, March 13, 2020.
We recognize the tremendous effort that has been put forth all year by individuals across the country as they participate in Canada’s game. Although it is difficult to process the hockey season ending abruptly, we feel this is the best course of action in order to do our part in keeping our country safe.”
*Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities include all Hockey Alberta-sanctioned activities (including games, practices, camps and Provincial Championships).
I have been monitoring our hockey situation as far as Covid-19 is concerned. I have been in contact with the EFHL executive and it would appear that the consensus is to follow Hockey Alberta's lead along with any recommendations from the Government of Alberta and the Chief Medical Officer.
The Chief Medical Officer of Alberta has recommended that non-essential gatherings of more than 250 people in one room not take place.
The message that I have for all of us is to stay informed by visiting Alberta.ca and looking at current information. Keeping informed and educated can help us all collectively. At the time of this writing the current level of risk in Alberta is low. There are 23 confirmed cases in Alberta, they have all been travel-related and have been isolated. This information is directly quoted from the Alberta website as I type. Nationally, there are 107 cases confirmed with 1 death.
"Covid-19 does not appear to transmit as efficiently as influenza"
"Controlling spread is possible when people with symptoms are isolated"
To protect yourself and others: 1) use good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing. 2) cover coughs and sneezes. 3) avoid touching your face. 4) stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill. 4) if you are having symptoms call Health Link 811 for instructions.
"Alberta is testing for COVID-19. We are acting out of an excess of caution even when the likelihood of exposure is small or improbable". There have been 4,288 tests conducted, 23 have been positive. 4,265 have been negative.
I will update this article with any new information that comes across my desk. Stay happy and healthy!
Sincerely
John Schneider - President, Sturgeon Hockey Club
