In light of new public health order, the Cascades will not play or practise until at least Nov. 23
In light of the new public health order for the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions, the Cascades will completely shut down team activity until Nov. 23. These regional restrictions, enacted Nov. 7 in light of spiking case numbers, don’t allow for group activities with those outside of one’s core bubble or any indoor sports. Technically, outdoor sports are not restricted, but although the department could justify a continuation of team activities, the Cascades have decided to completely honour the lockdown.
On the situation and how it will affect the teams going forward, UFV’s associate director of athletics, Alicia Hurley, said: “The new provincial health order does affect us, as indoor physical activities where physical distancing cannot be maintained are to be suspended. UFV has implemented additional measures out of an abundance of caution, in order to do our part to flatten the curve. We have suspended all in-person activities and team gatherings, both on and off campus, with outdoor activities to be re-assessed on Nov. 12. Exhibition games in all sports (including soccer) are cancelled through until Nov. 23.”
Though this is good news for Cascades supporters who want the department to do what they can to stop the spread of COVID-19, these restrictions could continue for the department if the situation in the Fraser Health region doesn’t improve. The department seems committed to listening to local health authorities.
“Moving forward, we will continue to monitor provincial health officer (PHO) announcements as we approach Nov. 23 to determine any changes to the above. In the near term, we feel it is important that we show our commitment to supporting the PHO’s directive to get COVID-19 numbers under control,” Hurley said.
This change primarily affects UFV’s soccer team, which was set to compete throughout November and in the new year. For now, competition is set to commence Nov 23., unless the public health order is continued beyond its original end date.
