Together COVID-19 Response Update

November 25, 2020

We’re in this together! COVID-19 Response Update

 

Dear community,

 

I want to thank you all for your continued patience during this public health crisis. We know the tremendous impact that has been felt across households, communities and the province. We are committed to continuing to do our part. Our goal at Vecova is to continue to provide innovative, inclusive and impactful programs and services, but we can only do so when the community can participate safely.

In light of the state of public health emergency being declared and the new restrictions mandated by the Government of Alberta (announced November 24, 2020), along with our own rigorous regulations and responses, we have made the following decisions effective November 27, 2020. This includes:

  • extending the suspension of:
    • all aquatics and studio group fitness classes until January 9, 2021
    • all evening and weekend facility rentals until January 9, 2021
    • all swim lessons (including private swim lessons) until January 9, 2021
    • all Empower Abilities Physical Therapy classes until January 16, 2021
  • continuing to:
    • offer regular registered lane swim and open swim times, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
    • offer Mental Health Services at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
    • provide the Explore Abilities program at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
    • provide limited Government of Alberta programs and services at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
  • extending the reduced operating hours of Vecova’s Main Facility until January 8, 2021.
  • the Main Facility will be:
    • open Monday to Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm until December 18, 2020
    • closed Saturday and Sunday until January 9, 2021
    • closed from December 21, 2020 to January 4, 2021 to all consumers and employees to conduct annual maintenance and conduct a deep clean
  • continuing restricted access to the Main Facility to only:
    • consumers who are registered for lane swim and open swim
    • consumers who have an appointment with our Mental Health Services
    • consumers who are registered for the Explore Abilities program
    • consumers who are registered for a Government of Alberta program or service
    • employees who are providing onsite programs and services
    • employees who manage the facility and its operations
  • continuing to follow all Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and Vecova health and safety measures and protocols that have been put in place.

Vecova will continue to be proactive in managing our response to COVID-19 with guidance from Health Canada and Alberta Health Services. We encourage you to follow all of the recommendations by the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

 

As the Government of Alberta moves forward with the new restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta, we continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Vecova is doing its part. Actions are being taken to protect the health and well-being of our entire community and all Albertans.

 

During this public health crisis, we have been touched by the kind and supportive messages we have received from the public. We know you are looking forward to resuming your normal, pre-COVID-19 routines, which Vecova played a major role in for many of you. We know that it is tiring and difficult, but we need to focus on the wellbeing of our employees and our community.

 

Vecova is a place where people connect, belong and thrive. Whether you use Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness services, our Bottle Pick-Up Service, have a family member in our Housing Services or participate in one of Vecova’s numerous other programs, you help Vecova reach its vision, where persons with disabilities are valued and integral members of society.

 

As we continue our efforts to manage our response to COVID-19, we do so with gratitude to all of you who have continued to support us at this difficult time. We are in a time where generosity and assistance of any kind, in any amount, can make a profound impact on each person we serve. Please consider donating to Vecova if you are able to by visiting vecova.ca/donate.

 

You are all integral parts of this organization and we are thankful for your support.

 

Take care,

 

Joan Lee

Chief Executive Officer

 

PS: For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 please visit: