Every year London opens two skating rinks. One in front of Covent Market the other in Victoria Park. On Friday an estimated 150 people gathered at the Victoria park rink. When the City heard about the gathering they responded immediately.
“As soon as we were aware that there was an issue, we forwarded our supervisors to the site to assist in evacuating and clearing the rink and we closed it for the remainder of the evening.” Said the Cities Division Manager of Parks and Recreation Lynn Loubert.
Although the city had staff onsite they required additional support to close the rink down for the night. Multiple videos of the packed arena were posted on Twitter on Friday night. With many London residents voicing their displeasure with the situation.
@CityofLdnOnt how can we even almost begin to seriously address covid if regulations aren't even enforced on city property? Small businesses following rules are dying and you can't hire someone to enforce spacing or masks? Very disappointed and upset about this. #ldnont #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Qe1NNMBr2y
— Merritt Lymburner (@CoachmerrittL) December 14, 2020
Although it was known that London would be moving to the Red Control zone starting on Monday, London was still in the Orange zone on Friday. The restrictions under the Orange Zone allow 100 people to gather outdoors where distancing can be maintained. The gathering limit for all outdoor events is 25 people while in the Red Zone.
Is this what Code Red is supposed to look like? #LdnOnt pic.twitter.com/MfWao4p3rY
— Dr. Ben Cowie (@bromptonymous) December 12, 2020
In response to the move to the Red Zone as well as to public outcry, the City has made changes to the protocol at their rinks. “We will be allowing no more than 25 people in at a time. They can enter the rink, starting on the hour, and will be allowed a 45-minute skate. Then we’ll be asking them to leave so that we can then get the next group on the ice,” said Loubert.
Access to the rink will continue to be on a first come first serve basis although the hope is that everyone will be given time to skate.
“Were looking to provide as many opportunities for different families to participate. So were asking people to be respectful and allow everyone to participate and have the opportunity.”
In addition to the changes, the City is encouraging physical distancing among those who are not in the same family. They are also encouraging the use of masks while putting skates on or sitting on the benches. Mask use while on the ice is not mandatory but is still encouraged.
The City-run rink in front of Covent Gardens was expected to open on Saturday, but the opening was delayed due to rain over the weekend. The rink is now up and running and the hope is that it will help prevent overcrowding. Both rinks will follow the same protocol and continue to be monitored by city staff.
Loubert hopes the changes will allow outdoor skating to continue.
“We really want people to enjoy the outdoors and the fabulous facilities we have. But we are encouraging people to be respectful and follow the protocols that we put in place so people can participate safely.”
For more information on outdoor skating, you can go to the City’s website.
