COVID-19 Response Policies and Precautions
Here are VIRG we are committed to offering the best experience to climbers while also ensuring we adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines put forth by Alberta Health Services. Our staff have been familiarized with these guidelines and trained to maintain them. We will continue to adjust our procedures as AHS updates their guidelines.
To see Government Guidelines for COVID-19, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
This document includes:
- Entry
- Screening the Health of Participants and Staff
- Physical Distancing
- Our Rapid Response Plan (in the case an individual exhibits symptoms)
- Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Hygiene
- Cancelation Policy
Health and Safety Procedures The following are procedures to adhere to AHS guidelines:
Entry
- Signage in place to discourage customer entry if entryway is occupied.
- Markers are in place in the entrance leading to the front desk to encourage social distancing
Screening the Health of Participants and Staff
- Participants and staff are encouraged to test their temperature daily and self-evaluate for COVID-19 symptoms outlined by the Alberta Government here.
- Any participant or staff exhibiting symptoms will not be permitted to enter the premises
- Staff will be keeping daily records of anyone entering the Gym. Records, including their name, contact information, time of arrival and departure, and screening completion will be kept up-to-date and available to facilitate contact tracing in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case or outbreak
Physical Distancing
- Climbers will be monitored by staff to ensure that physical distancing of 2 meters is maintained. Close greetings like high-fives and hugs are not permitted (except for members of the same household or cohort)
- Signage is also up throughout the gym to remind customers to physical distance and communal seating has been removed
- The number of other customers within the gym will be limited to allow for distancing
- Washroom use will be limited to a maximum of 2 to maintain physical distancing
Rapid Response Plan
Alberta Health Services has mandated that facilities have a plan in place in case a participant exhibits symptoms, or a breakout occurs:
- Participants exhibiting symptoms will be asked to isolate from the rest of the climbers
- Staff will provide any necessary close-contact care with a mask on
- Staff will wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use 60% alcohol sanitizer before putting on their mask and after taking it off. They will do the same thing regarding touching any items used by symptomatic individuals
- If a staff member develops symptoms while at work, they will immediately remove themselves from all contact with others, notify their supervisor and go home
- All items used by individual while isolated will be cleaned and disinfected immediately after the individual leaves. Soft-surface items that cannot be disinfected will be isolated for a period of 24 hours
- Facility users must inform Vertically Inclined of any positive COVID-19 test results If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 connected to the facility we will notify all participants and will be required by AHS to close for a minimum of 72 hours. This will allow for contact tracing and will then follow AHS recommendations from there
Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Staff will implement a daily cleaning procedure. This will include sanitizing frequently touched objects (such as hard-surfaced climbing equipment) and high traffic areas (such as the bathrooms) every two hours
- The entire gym is professionally cleaned every night
Hygiene
- All staff will wear masks
- Participants must wear masks when entering the facility, using the washroom/changerooms and exiting the facility in accordance with City of Edmonton Bylaw. Climbers may also use masks while climbing, but it is up to the discretion of the participant as physical activity is listed as an exception under the bylaw . Masks are available upon request.
- Hand washing will be enforced before and after climbs
- Hand sanitizer will be available in designated areas throughout the facility
- Respiratory etiquette (such as coughing or sneezing into elbow, promptly disposing of used tissues, etc.) will be strongly encouraged
- Use of gloves is required for cleaning and encouraged at other times
Cancelation Policy
In the case of a facility-wide shut down due to illness, accommodations such as pass freezing and booking refunds will be made accordingly.