THUNDER BAY — The president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 5 says every precaution will be taken to protect the public from potential exposure to COVID-19 when live music returns to the legion hall in mid-September.
"Throughout this whole process, we've been in almost constant contact with the health unit to make sure what we're doing fits within their rules," Les Newman emphasized in an interview Monday.
Newman said those rules mean no dancing will be permitted.
Two performances by the CCR Tribute Band are scheduled for the Van Norman Street legion on the weekend of Sept. 11, followed by the the Vic Arnone duo with Frankie T. on Sept. 18.
According to Newman, since the clubroom bar reopened about a month ago, attendance has been relatively small, but members have been asking 'When are you going to start having music back?'
The legion has installed a large sheet of plexiglass at the front of the stage to separate the performers from the audience.
Newman said signs are posted advising attendees that dancing is strictly prohibited, and some tables and chairs have been moved to the dance floor to facilitate social distancing.
"When we did the setup, in order to maintain distancing, I believe we are set up for 44 patrons, so we are well within" the permitted limit of 50, Newman added.
Patrons will also be required to enter the legion wearing face masks.
Newman said routes in and out of the building will be clearly laid out with arrows.
"We're looking out for everyone's safety. Our staff, our volunteers, our patrons and the performers for that matter," he said.
