Restrictions exemptions should not apply to youth

By Letter to the Editor on September 29, 2021.

Editor:
The University of Lethbridge 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sports and Wellness should allow youth ages 12-17 to attend their dance classes, swim club, private swimming lessons, climbing wall classes etc. following the Youth Sport Policy for COVID-19 as laid out by the Alberta government.
Currently, the U of L is “taking a holistic approach” to their COVID-19 policy by following the “Restrictions Exemption Program”, not just to their university students and classes but also to the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sports and Wellness that services our Lethbridge community and surrounding area.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw has specifically communicated, “Physical activity is critically important for the overall health & well-being of youth & is necessary to daily living. That is why AB government decided against requiring proof of vaccination for youth U-18 who are taking part in sport, rec & performance activities.”
The U of L is ignoring Dr. Deena Hinshaw’s explicit support for our youth to continue being able to access facilities. The Restrictions Exemption Program should not apply to our youth. The U of L should remove “Youth Sport Participants” from this policy and follow the government’s Youth Sport Policy instead.
Since Sept. 20, the City of Lethbridge has updated their use of the Restrictions Exemption Program after appropriate consultation with government representatives and community stakeholders.
In city facilities for sport, fitness and performance, “Youth participants between the ages of 12-17 will not require proof of vaccination, medical exemption or a negative Covid-19 test.” Thank you, City of Lethbridge!
The University of Lethbridge, 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness should follow the leadership of the City of Lethbridge and allow our youth to attend this facility without proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test every 72 hours.
Our youth need to be able to continue in their sport, fitness and performance activities at the U of L.
They should not be included in the blanket application of the Restrictions Exemption Program. Follow the Youth Sport Policy U of L and follow the thoughtfulness of the City of Lethbridge.
Georgina Hill
Lethbridge