Return-To-Play Protocol 2021-2022 Season - Ottawa, Ontario September 24, 2021 - RA ...

Return-To-Play Protocol

  2021-2022 Season

        Ottawa, Ontario
      September 24, 2021

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RA Curling Club Return-To-Play Protocol
___________________________________________________________________

This Return-To-Play (RTP) Protocol document was developed by the RA Curling
Club (RACC) Executive in collaboration with RA management, to support the
return to curling while reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among
participants. It describes the measures that the RA and RACC will implement to
ensure the health and safety of its curling members, through the application of
provincial and local health authority restrictions, the integration of RA policies
and guidelines, as well as the 2021 RTP guidelines of the sport’s governing bodies
Curling Canada and CurlON. The collective goal remains to ensure the health and
safety of all RACC members and RA staff, and the viability of curling at the RA.

The Return-To-Play Protocol outlines what players can expect when returning to
play, describes the safety protocols that will be applied, any play changes, and
members’ responsibilities before, after, and during play.

This protocol will be applied comprehensively by all RACC sections, casual rentals,
and business leagues during the 2021-22 season.

The RTP protocol will be revised as necessary, in light of any review undertaken as
a result of changes in direction provided by provincial and municipal public health
authorities as well as by RA management, and as new or updated guidance is
provided by the sport’s governing bodies. RACC members will be informed
immediately of any changes and/or additions to the protocol.

Double Vaccination Mandate:

As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians must be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14
days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with identification showing
name and date of birth to access certain public settings and facilities. This
approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings
cannot always be worn, and includes facilities used for sports and recreational
fitness activities such as the RA Centre.

The government has also confirmed some exemptions to the proof of
identification and proof of vaccination requirements, including:

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a.    Children under the age of 12;
   b.    Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering a facility used for sports
         and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively
         participating in an organized sport (such as curling). This does not
         include youth who are spectators at sporting events;
   c.    Patrons who provide a written document, completed and supplied by a
         physician, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner, stating the person is
         exempt for a medical reason from being full vaccinated against COVID-
         19 and the effective time period for the medical reason. Patrons with a
         medical exemption are required to present identification as well as the
         medical exemption document.

Compliance:

It is required for anyone entering the RA to show identification and either proof of
vaccination or proof of exemption. As well, all curlers must sign and submit to the
RA a completed “Acknowledgement, Assumption of Risks, Waiver and Release of
Claims – COVID-19” form prior to beginning their curling season (see Appendix A).
This form is available for completion on-line on the curling club website.

Contact Tracing:

With the assistance of CurlON, a contact tracing tablet and app will be used by the
RACC to keep track, on a daily basis, of the RACC members who are at the club.
CurlON will be providing members with a QR code. QR codes obtained by
members who curled in the 2020-21 season will remain valid. Members will be
required to scan their QR code on the tablet reader or to enter their name and
email on the keypad whenever they are at the club. Members need only scan
upon arrival. Any guest or accompanying person will also be required to enter
their name and address on the keypad.

In the event the tablet is not operational (due for example to loss of Wi-Fi
service), league convenors or section representatives will be required to keep a
written record of members’ and guest attendance.

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Safety Measures:

  1) Authorities: The RACC will follow, and in some cases exceed, all relevant
     COVID restrictions issued by provincial and municipal public health
     authorities.

  2) Wearing of Masks:
     a. When not curling: Curlers must wear a mask on their arrival at the RA
        and throughout the RA complex, including washrooms, hallways and
        stairs, and in any lounges or change rooms or meeting rooms. This
        includes inside the curling centre while not on a sheet of ice. Please
        note that masks must securely cover the mouth, nose, and chin, and
        filter respiratory droplets in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19
        and help protect other curlers.
     b. When curling: During play, if proper physical distancing is maintained,
        the wearing of masks is optional. It is, however, strongly recommended
        that curlers wear their masks while curling for the safety of others.

  3) Handwashing: All curlers and RA staff must practice proper hygiene,
     including frequent handwashing. To facilitate handwashing, the RA will
     provide ongoing access to soap and paper towels in washrooms. In
     addition, sanitizing dispensers and products will be installed and
     maintained by the RA in prominent locations throughout the RA Centre,
     including at entrances, in the curling centre (both the large surrounding off-
     ice area as well as the playing areas), and in social spaces.

  4) Prevention: People who are ill and people who are at risk for severe illness
     should not play and must stay at home.

  5) Building Safety and Cleanliness: High-touch areas in the RA Centre,
     including toilets and sinks, will be cleaned on a regular basis. Dispensers for
     disinfectant products/wipes will be accessible for members wanting to wipe
     down surfaces prior to use, such as chairs used for changing in and out of
     curling apparel.

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6) Water: Water dispensers will not be available in the curling ice area. Curlers
     may bring their own, properly identified, containers of water. The RA will
     also have touchless water fill stations located on site.

  7) Facial Tissues: Facial tissues will not be provided in the curling centre or
     other areas used by curlers. All players must bring their own facial tissues
     and appropriately dispose of the used one(s) in the trash cans that will be
     located in the ice area. The RA will ensure that trash cans are periodically
     emptied and cleaned based on the use of the curling club.

  8) Indoor limits: In compliance with Government of Ontario regulations, the
     RA and RACC will ensure that capacity limits are not exceeded in the curling
     centre and in other spaces used by curlers for changing or socializing, and
     that physical distancing requirements for a given space or activity are
     adhered to. Staff and volunteers that are integral to the operation of the
     facility are excluded from these limits.

Getting Ready for the Game:

  1) Ready to Play: All curlers will arrive at the curling centre no sooner than 15
     minutes prior to their game with their own curling equipment (i.e. shoes,
     sliders, helmets, masks, brooms, delivery sticks, stabilizers).

  2) Lockers: Lockers may be available for rental in the existing RA locker rooms
     if this can be done in a safe manner. This will be determined prior to the
     start of the curling season.

  3) Arrival and Exit: The area inside the curling centre surrounding the ice pad
     will be set up with distanced chairs for members to take off their coats,
     boots and put on curling shoes. There will be two separate spaces, one for
     the group exiting the ice and one for the group about to go on the ice. Flow
     into the curling centre and/or onto the ice will be organized so as to keep
     the groups separate and maintain physical distancing. This may include
     separate entry and exit points for each group.

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Playing the Game:

  1) League Limits: There is no limit to the number of persons in a league this
     season.

  2) Spares: For the safety of all members, teams are not allowed to bring a
     non-RA member to play as a spare at the RACC in 2021-22. Spares can only
     be sourced from other teams within the same league or section, or from
     the league’s spare list, if one exists.

  3) Length of Game: Games will be the traditional two hours this season
     (except for Doubles which are 1.5 hours). At the 1 hour 45 minutes mark (or
     1 hour 20 minutes for doubles), teams will be allowed to finish the end
     being played. An extra end will not be allowed in case of ties. If necessary, a
     draw to the button between the two skips will determine a winner.

  4) Rock colour and hammer selection: We recommend that league convenors
     designate rock colour and hammer in their schedules. This will allow for a
     faster pace and quicker rock handle wipe downs at the start of the game. If
     the league allows, teams can alternatively flip a coin or use some other
     technique to determine hammer and rock colour.

  5) Handshakes: Instead of the traditional pre- and post-game handshakes, or
     the popular alternative of elbow taps and broom taps, curlers should wish
     each other a good game or “good curling” from a safe physical distance.

  6) Wheelchair curler access ramp: There will be sanitizing wipes available for
     players who handle the access ramp to sanitize their hands and/or the
     ramp as necessary/desired prior to installing and after removing the access
     ramp.

  7) Stones: It is the responsibility of each team to sanitize their stones prior to
     the start of their game. There will be sanitizing wipes available for this
     purpose. The stones will be lined up in the corners at the end of each sheet.
     Each player will select and be responsible for his/her own stones
     throughout the game. There will be no interchanging of stones during a
     game. Players must not touch stones other than their own.

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Brooms or feet will be used to move stones to the corners at the back of
    the sheet after shots and after each end. Each team can designate the
    member with the responsibility to move the rocks when the end has been
    completed.

 8) Designated Player Positions: Since masks are optional while curling, it is
    highly recommended, and players are strongly encouraged, to remain as
    physically distanced as possible at all times during the game. Markers will
    be placed in the ice to facilitate this and will indicate where it is
    recommended players stand when they are not sweeping or delivering (as
    illustrated in Appendix B).

    The skip (or vice-skip / third, but not both) of the non-delivering team must
    stand behind the house but no closer than the hack until the delivering
    team has finished play and has relinquished control of the house.

 9) Communication on Ice: It is strongly recommended not to yell during a
    game in order to avoid the escape and spread of droplets. Teams can use
    hand gestures or other acceptable means to communicate when or when
    not to sweep. Skips and vice-skips / thirds can discuss shots but at a safe
    physical distance.

10) Sweeping: With masks being optional, a team may utilize only one sweeper
    at a time. Only the delivering team sweeper can sweep any stones in play,
    including in the house. The skip or vice-skip / third in charge of the house is
    not allowed to sweep under any circumstances. The skip or vice-skip / third
    of the non-delivering team is not allowed to sweep the opposition stone
    behind the tee-line.

11) Measuring: When the vice-skips / thirds need to measure stones, sanitizing
    products will be available for wiping their hands and/or the measurement
    sticks.

12) Scoring: The vice-skips / thirds of each team may post the score as the
    game progresses. If the teams prefer, only one person can be designated to
    post the scores throughout the game. After the game, the winning team

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will wipe down the score cards and scoreboards. If they so agree, both
     teams may use another method to keep score (for example, having one
     person designated to use his/her smartphone or a scoresheet).

 13) Make-up Games: Skips must consult the league convenor or session
     organizer as well as the appropriate RA staff (Melody Rochon, at
     mrochon@racentre.com) or the club member responsible for allocating
     practice sheets to determine if, and when, an appropriate time can be
     found for a postponed game.

After the Game:

  1) Recording the Game Results: Bulletin boards will not be available to post
     scores or schedules this season. Accordingly, game results will be recorded
     electronically. Following the game, the winning team’s vice-skip / third will
     send by email the game results to the league’s scorekeeper or
     convenor/organizer. They will copy the vice-skip / third of the opposing
     team. A photo of the scoreboard can serve as a quick record. League
     standings will either be posted on the RACC website or sent electronically
     to each league’s teams.

  2) After the Game: Please change your footwear, grab your coat and
     equipment and leave the curling centre area as quickly as possible.

  3) Options for socializing after the game: The operational status of RA food
     outlets is still being determined. However, some options for socializing
     after the game will be available, ideally as of early October. These include:
        a. RA Café: Food and beverage service, subject to its hours of operation
        b. Fieldhouse: Food and beverage (restaurant and bar) service, subject
            to its hours of operation
        c. Tables in the former curling lounge: Curlers are welcome to gather
            pre and/or post games in the former curling lounge. Space is shared
            with members of other RA clubs and the capacity is modified as
            needed based on existing distancing regulations. While bar service is
            unavailable in this lounge area, curlers may bring their own non-
            alcoholic drinks and snacks.

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Club Amenities Not Available in 2020-21:

   1) Club equipment: To minimize sanitization requirements and maximize
      health and safety, club equipment, such as brooms, sliders, grippers,
      delivery sticks, and stabilizers, will not be provided.

   2) Storage of Personal Equipment: To minimize sanitization requirements and
      maintain proper physical distancing, curlers will not be allowed to store
      their personal equipment, including brooms, delivery sticks and stabilizers,
      in the curling centre.

   3) Kitchen Area: With the move of curling to the new centre, the old kitchen
      area adjacent to the old curling lounge will no longer be operational.

Other:

   1) Visitors and Non-playing Members: People providing assistance to curlers
      with special needs will need to sign and submit to the RA a completed
      “Acknowledgement, Assumption of Risks, Waiver and Release of Claims –
      Coronavirus (COVID-19)” form, and to sign-in on the contact tracing tablet.

   2) Team and Individual Practice: The RACC has developed a “Practice Ice
      Protocol” to ensure that appropriate safety measures are followed. Curling
      practice will be limited to designated times assigned to each section of the
      curling club. The practice protocol will be provided to members and will
      include details on when practice ice is available and how to reserve a sheet.

   3) Youth Curling: The RACC and RA have developed a separate “Youth Return-
      To-Play Protocol” and an “Assumption of Risks, Waiver and Release of
      Claims – Coronavirus (COVID-19)” form for minors (17 years of age and
      under). This form can be completed on-line.

   4) Business Leagues: Business Leagues are required to follow the RACC’s RTP
      protocol, which includes completing the RA “Acknowledgement,
      Assumption of Risks, Waiver and Release of Claims – Coronavirus (COVID-
      19)” forms (see Appendix A) for their members prior to beginning their

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curling season. Business League curlers will also be required to bring their
      own equipment: brooms, sliders, grippers, delivery sticks, and stabilizers.

   5) Casual Ice Rentals: The RA has yet to decide whether casual rentals will
      occur this season. Should they be allowed, they will be required to follow
      the RACC RTP protocol.

   6) Curling Events run by external organizations – such Curling Canada, CurlON,
      the Ontario Curling Council (e.g. Cathy Kerr Wheelchair Bonspiel) and other
      local curling associations or groups – will be subject to the RTP protocols of
      the organizing bodies. These events will not use the ice concurrently with
      any RACC leagues or programs.

What Happens if a RACC Member Tests Positive for COVID-19:

As noted in the waiver in Appendix A, for the protection of your friends and
teammates a member who receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and has curled
at the RACC within the previous 14 days must notify, as soon as possible, Melody
Rochon, RA Coordinator, at 613-736-6239, or at mrochon@racentre.com. Please
note that the RA and RACC will not reveal any personal or health information
about any member at any time.

Following notification, the RA Coordinator will communicate with all club
members to alert them that a curler (no names will be provided) at the RACC has
tested positive. The days and times during which the curler in question was
present at the club will be provided so that members can determine if they were
at the RACC at the same time and take appropriate actions.

A member diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to the RACC
until cleared as non-contagious by provincial or local public health authorities
(i.e. has tested negative).

Please note that if a member tests positive for COVID-19, Ottawa Public Health
may ask the RA and the RACC to provide the names of people using the club
during a specific time period. Under these circumstances, names and contact
information of RACC members will be provided to the authorities.

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Enforcement:

Over 60% of the RACC’s passionate and dedicated curlers returned to play in the
2020-2021 season. The RACC’s RTP protocol helped to ensure that these curlers
enjoyed a safe and COVID-free season, albeit another shortened season. This
coming 2021-22 season, with the updated Return-To-Play Protocol in place
(including optional mask wearing), it is hoped that many more will come safely
back to their passion.

BUT it will only work, that is we will only have a safe and healthy curling season, if
we all do our share. We are a community, a curling community, and as a
community we must all work together. If we all practice safe curling, we will
remain healthy, enjoy our sport, and have fun.

In signing the “Acknowledgement, Assumption of Risks, Waiver and Release of
Claims – Coronavirus (COVID-19)” form in Appendix A of this document, RACC
curlers agree to abide by this protocol. During the curling season, curlers who
have concerns about specific activities or incidents that have occurred off or on
the ice should bring them to the attention of their section’s chair or vice-chair, or
to their league convenor or session organizer. If necessary, these actions will be
brought to the RA management’s attention. Inappropriate actions that threaten
the health of curlers or RA staff, or threaten the entire curling season for the
RACC, will not be tolerated. If required, disciplinary measures, including expulsion
from the club, will be taken.

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Prepared by the RACC Executive:
Margo Burgess, Chair
Susan Crawford, Evening Section
Graydon Paulin, Men’s Daytime Section
Karen Vandenhoven, Daytime Ladies Section
John Rowland, Secretary
Pippa Sellers, Treasurer
Peggy MacLeod, Marketing
Lynn Gullins, Webmaster
Cynthia Gray, House and Property
Greg Kresko, Director at large

In collaboration with RA management:
Amanda Romozzi, Senior Manager, Membership & Club Services
Kelly Shaw-Swettenham, Director, Recreation Sport & Fitness

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Appendix A

                                     RA Curling Club
                Acknowledgement, Assumption of Risks, Waiver and
                   Release of Claims – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

ADULT (18 years & older)
All RACC members and visitors must submit to the RA a completed “Acknowledgement,
Assumption of Risks, Waiver and Release of Claims – Coronavirus (COVID-19)” form
prior to undertaking the activity. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. By agreeing to these
terms you will waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue or claim
compensation.

If you have any questions, please direct your inquiry to Member Services, RA Centre,
2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1H 7X7 or contact us at info@racentre.com.

CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The safety and well-being of our RA Community has and continues to be our top
priority. In order to provide our members, guests, partners, volunteers, and staff with a
safe, effective, and enjoyable environment, while at the same time doing our best to
prevent the spread of COVID-19, we request your understanding and cooperation by
reading and signing the following ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INFORMED CONSENT
AGREEMENT and RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY
AGREEMENT.

GENERAL PROTOCOLS – RE: COVID-19

   •   Anyone showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (or COVID-19 like
       symptoms) MUST stay home.
   •   Anyone who begins exhibiting or feeling signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (or
       COVID-19 like symptoms) must cease their activity and remove themselves from
       the RA Centre.
   •   Anyone who receives a COVID-19 diagnosis and has been on-site at the RA
       within the previous 14 days must notify the RA.
While on site at the RA or participating in activities, clubs or programs, you are
responsible to:
   •   Adhere to the RA's Mask and Face Covering Policy.
   •   Masks must be worn by all members and guests on their arrival at the RA and
       throughout the RA complex, including washrooms, hallways, and stairs as per
       the City of Ottawa temporary by-law making masks mandatory in indoor public
       spaces.

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•   Adhere to Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) guidelines of six (6) feet physical
       distancing between yourself and others.
   •   Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand
       sanitizer.
   •   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your
       hands.
   •   Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.
We suggest you come dressed to play and bring your own drinking water as there is
limited access to change rooms, washrooms, and water fill-up stations.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INFORMED CONSENT AGREEMENT

I hereby acknowledge that:

   1. I am participating voluntarily in the RA Curling Club activities.
   2. Curling activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards
      and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate. The
      sport of curling is played on a sheet of ice which is slippery, hard, and
      dangerous.
   3. I agree that the sole responsibility for my safety remains with me.
   4. It is understood that privileges may be revoked in the event that my conduct is
      not in keeping with the RA’s standards.
   5. I am aware and agree to comply with the RA Members’ Code of Ethics, the
      General Protocols – RE: COVID-19 (as outlined above) and the specific RACC
      Return-To-Play protocols and guidelines that pertain to my involvement with the
      RA (including all COVID-19 related protocols and public health authorities’
      recommendations contained therein).
   6. I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the
      risk that I may spread COVID-19, be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by
      participation; and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury,
      infection, illness, permanent disability, and death. I further understand that the
      risk of spreading COVID-19, becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19
      during participation in activities, clubs, and programs at the RA, whether held at
      RA facilities or at any other location, may result from the actions, omissions, or
      negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, the active or
      passive negligence (such as the failure to adequately clean and disinfect
      surfaces, adequately inform and educate participants re: COVID-19 protocols,
      adequately ventilate areas, adequately screen participants) of the RA, or their
      directors, officers, employees, servants, or agents and program participants and
      their families.
   7. I agree and accept responsibility to adhere to Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH)
      recommendations including, but not limited to staying home when showing signs

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and symptoms of COVID-19 (or COVID-19 like symptoms), self-isolating when
       required, limiting the number of people I come in contact with, and practising
       physical distancing by maintaining two (2) meters physical distancing between
       myself and others, and to the City of Ottawa temporary Mandatory Mask By-law.
   8. I agree and accept responsibility to ensure I have the proper/certified equipment
      required for the activity.
   9. I further understand that the RA will collect health and other personal information
      from me with the intent to fulfill their obligation to me. I agree with the RA’s
      practice of keeping my personal information confidential and subject only to legal
      requirements to disclose or legal exceptions (emergency). I accept that the RA
      will use this information to improve the services that I receive. I also appreciate
      that the RA will not disclose, divulge or otherwise communicate to any person or
      business any such confidential information without my written consent to do so.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

I do hereby agree for myself, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns to release
and forever discharge the RA, or their directors, officers, employees, servants, or
agents (including club convenors/organizers/volunteers) and all other program
participants of any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions, or
causes of action whether in law or equity in respect of death, injury, infection, illness,
permanent disability, loss or damage to person or property however caused, including
but not limited to negligence (such as the failure to adequately clean and disinfect
surfaces, adequately inform and educate participants re: COVID-19 protocols,
adequately ventilate areas, adequately screen participants) arising or to arise out of my
participation in such activities, clubs, and programs at the RA, whether held at RA
facilities or at any other location.

In addition, I do hereby agree to hold harmless and indemnify the RA, or their directors,
officers, employees, servants, or agents (including club convenors/organizers/
volunteers) and all other program participants from any and all claims or liability for any
damage to property of, or personal injury to, any third party, due to or associated with
COVID-19 or any other contagious or infectious illness, resulting from RA activities and
programs of any kind whether held at RA facilities or at any other location.

       Please note: All fields marked with an * are required.

       By marking YES, I declare that I have read, understood and that I agree to
       the contents of this ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INFORMED CONSENT
       AGREEMENT and RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND
       INDEMNITY AGREEMENT in its entirety. *

       I acknowledge that I have executed this agreement voluntarily and that it is
       to be binding on myself, my heirs, spouse, children, parents, guardians,
       next of kin, executors, administrators, and legal personal representatives. I
       further acknowledge by marking YES that I have waived my right to

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maintain a lawsuit against the RA on the basis of any claims from which I
       have released herein.

       ¨ YES

       First Name*: ___________________________
       Last Name*: ___________________________
       Date*: _______________________________

       I have read and understood the following protocols, guidelines, and
       recommendations: the General Protocols – RE: COVID-19, the specific
       RACC Return-To-Play protocol and guidelines, and the Public Health
       authorties' recommendations as outlined in points 2 and 4 of the
       Assumption of Risk and Informed Consent Agreement section above.

       ¨ YES

This document will remain in effect until the RA, per the direction of the municipal or
provincial government and health officials, determine that the COVID-19 compliance
acknowledgements are no longer required.

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Appendix B

Distancing Illustration

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