Update On Provincial COVID-19 Restrictions
A Message From The Allied Golf Association - British Columbia
We want to thank everyone for their continued implementation of COVID-19 protection procedures that support the safe operation of golf in British Columbia and suggest increased vigilance on enforcing protocols may be required.
With the increase in COVID-19 cases in the province, so comes increased scrutiny for all potential sources, including golf, and the need for increased due diligence, such as is happening in the province toward the enforcement of non-essential travel.
The PHO determined that increased enforcement of non-essential travel restrictions in British Columbia was required. Last Friday, the previous advisories became orders and the government implemented additional measures to mitigate travel.
There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel with increasing vaccine protection, the extension of the "Circuit Breaker" restrictions and new travel restrictions. However, people are getting pretty weary, and we, as operators, must NOT let complacency affect our hard-earned progress thus far.
Let’s stay focused on the implementation of COVID-19 protection protocols, particularly pre & post-golf over the next five weeks, and together with the aforementioned, we should be able to save our summer in British Columbia.
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Updated Travel Orders & Messaging Guidelines
Last Friday, Solicitor General Mike Farnworth implemented Ministerial Order No. M1721 restricting non-essential travel in BC to your local health region combining Northern and Interior Health regions, Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Health regions and Island Health remained separate. British Columbians are asked to stay local and stay in your community. Do not travel for non-essential reasons.
Tourism authorities in British Columbia have responded with a joint statementt asking people to stay local and bend the curve. "We are at a pivotal moment in our province and we must act now to protect the healthcare system. We must stay local now so we can get back to travelling across our beautiful province and once again welcome visitors."
“Help us spread the message: #WeAreAllConnected; #StayLocalSupportLocal; #BCTourismCounts; #SaveOurSummer."
viaSport Guidance on Travel Restrictions for Sports in BC currently remains as previously issued. Highlights include:
- Travel for sport is to be restricted to their home club and that club needs to be close to the participants' residence.
- All games, tournaments, league play and other competitions are on hold until further notice.
- There should be no competition and no travel for sport.
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Golf (Tournaments) Included in Group Sports Restrictions
While golf is an individual sport, golf tournaments are included in the newly clarified group sports restrictions. As a reminder, a maximum of 10 people may engage in outdoor sports with one another.
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Additional COVID-19 Resources and Program Information
The AGA-BC continues to maintain and update a list of available resources, programs, and support for BC golf businesses and employees; our COVID-19 Protection - Best Practices for the Responsible Operations of BC Golf Courses and guide on How to Golf Responsibly.
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About the Allied Golf Association - BC
Vision:
To unify the various golf sectors in British Columbia by providing one cohesive voice for the Golf Industry.
Mission:
To provide leadership, advocacy and a collaborative resource for the Golf Industry of British Columbia.
The Allied Golf Association of British Columbia (AGA-BC) is a member of the National Allied Golf Association and unifies five provincial golf industry sector organizations (British Columbia Golf, British Columbia Golf Marketing Alliance, British Columbia Golf Superintendents Association, Canadian Society of Club Managers – BC, Western Canada Turf Grass Association) to provide one cohesive voice for the golf industry of British Columbia.
We are here to support you and your business during these most difficult times. We will maintain both our COVID-19 PROTECTION - BEST PRACTICES FOR THE RESPONSIBLE OPERATION OF BC GOLF COURSES manual and COVID-19 resources page on a regular basis, communicate information as it becomes available and continue to work with government and provincial authorities toward golf in British Columbia's continued success. If we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Trevor Smith
President@AGA-BC.org
The Allied Golf Association - BC acknowledges and respects the many diverse Indigenous Nations in whose traditional territories golf and its operations take place.