The Nanaimo Curling Club is gearing up for a season like no other, with changes designed to ensure the safety of curlers amid COVID-19. (Dan Marshall/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

ON THE BUTTON

Nanaimo curlers gearing up for modified COVID-19 season

Aug 30, 2020 | 10:50 AM

NANAIMO — Local curlers will see a host of tweaks and changes in a bid to have a COVID-free year.

The Nanaimo Curling Club has instituted many rules and mandates designed to comply and exceed COVID-19 regulations.

Along with the new-normal of social distancing, limiting the number of people and enhanced hand hygiene, the club is reducing its capacity by 25 per cent by installing six ice sheets compared to the usual eight.

“This is not mandated by CurlBC or Curling Canada, we feel this is an extra step to keep safer and make social distancing easier for our members,” Mary Ellen Konyer, club president told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The 2020/21 season will see its 700 members and over a dozen leagues return to the ice. Konyer said the league schedule will remain unchanged for most curlers.

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She added some leagues may cut down the number of ends to abide by a new requirement for there to be 30 minutes between games.

“Some leagues that typically had eight (ends) might be reduced to six if they choose to do that. The leagues do have some control over that, they could choose to run a little later in the evening.”

Seating in the club’s lounge will look different too, with members encouraged to sit in groups of four or less, below the provincial recommendation of six.

The club’s lounge operates under the same restrictions governing bars and restaurants which limit capacity and seating configurations.

Masks are also mandatory while at the club, with the exception of when seated at the lounge.

The Nanaimo Curling Club is due to host the provincial senior championships beginning Mar. 30 through Apr. 4.

— with files from Dan Marshall

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley