The Barrie Curling Club (BCC) is taking a safety-first approach, deciding to shut down operations for the rest of the year after multiple members reported they were COVID-19 positive.
On Dec. 14, three members reported to BCC management that they had tested positive for COVID-19.
Melanie Hughes, the manager for the club, said the next morning, the club executive cancelled curling for the balance of the day.
“The board met that evening and made the difficult but responsible decision to take an early holiday break in order to curb the potential spread within the club and the greater community,” said Hughes.
“As of the writing of this email, we are aware of 42 positive cases amongst club members and we have not been advised by public health that these cases originated at the club.”
Hughes said they have contacted everyone who may have been directly impacted, based on public health’s definition of “close contact,” and recommended they follow all public health guidelines.
“We will continue to do this as cases amongst our members are reported to us and the guidelines apply,” said Hughes. “We administered rapid tests last week to all staff, contractors, and essential volunteers. All tests returned had a negative result.”
The club will remain closed for curling and social activities until at least Jan. 4.
Hughes told BarrieToday the board will meet remotely over the holidays to determine whether this date remains feasible.
TCB Catering, which provides food for the club’s events, reopened this week for takeout only and the Shot Rock Shop remains open.
