On November 12, 2020, new public health measures from Alberta Health were introduced in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. During this time, badminton clubs and community groups should be emphasizing that a break is necessary to reduce the number of cases in the province and should not be looking for gaps to find ways to play.
With respect to the announcement Badminton Alberta interprets the health order as allowing for singles play, private/semi-private lessons (this can include up to 1 coach and 1 athlete), low intensity drills and skills training for juniors (such as stroke development, stroke refinement), as long as participants can maintain a minimum of 2 metres distances from each other at all times.
Additionally, doubles play is permitted only where the participants are all members are of the same household.
Badminton Alberta strongly recommends that the following activities are prohibited at this time:
- Group lessons or practice (groups of 5 or more per court)
- Leagues & Ladders for doubles and mixed doubles
- Formal competitions/social gatherings of any kind
Badminton Alberta continues to work with SPAR and Alberta Health to provide more clarity on the announcement. Our association will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
To learn more about the enhanced public health measures, please visit: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/cmoh-order-37-2020-2020-covid-19-response#summary