THUNDER BAY — Because of concerns about COVID-19, the Tbaytel Major League of curling has decided to make masks mandatory for players while they are on the ice.
The rule will be in effect Wednesday night when play resumes at the Kakabeka Falls Curling Club.
Out of consideration for players who wear glasses that may fog up, they will be allowed to remove their masks when throwing a stone.
Those who have difficulty breathing will also be allowed to take them off, but social distancing is required at all times.
In an interview, league executive member John Cameron was asked if the new rule is the result of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 among local pickleball players.
"Yeah, I think so. We want to be proactive in taking measures. The Port Arthur Curling Club sent out a notice that they are going to make masks mandatory on the ice starting Monday," Cameron noted.
He speculated that other curling clubs will follow suit.
"Since a lot of our players are competitive curlers, and some are in the spotlight, we decided that we should be role models to be on the safe side, and set the example," Cameron said.
He said all the players in the major league were consulted before the decision was made.
League officials, Cameron said, are cautiously optimistic they will be able to have a full season of play, but "if things do heighten [with regard to COVID-19] it's my opinion that we may have to hit pause."
He said that since there are no playdowns this year, the season could be extended if the threat from the virus diminished.
A spokesperson at the Fort William Curling Club told Tbnewswatch its policy regarding the use of masks is under review, but for now the club is only recommending that masks be worn on the ice.
Under provincial health guidelines, their use on the ice is not mandatory.
A representative of the Kakabeka Curling Club said they continue to follow all guidelines provided by health officials, but wearing masks on the ice remains voluntary.
Curling clubs, however, are following the direction of Curling Canada to permit only one sweeper per rock.
