The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 Qualicum Beach is re-opening, but for members and their families only, on Thursday, May 28.
According to the memo distributed to members by the legion, they have thought this through very thoroughly and look forward to offering members and their family a comfortable, safe and compliant environment for you to enjoy. There will be some changes instituted to keep everyone safe and COVID-19 guidelines are followed.
The hours of operation of the lounge will be from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Members and staff are also being asked not to go to the legion if they have any of the following symptoms that include fever, cough, unusual shortness of breath, headache or have been travelling and not self-isolated.
Some of the changes include is the entrance to the legion. Entry will be from the back patio deck. You may enter through the gate on the north side adjacent to Veterans Way. When the lounge is full, the main hall will be opened and entry may be accessed through the back door in the parking lot.
WATCH: Parksville Legion celebrates 75th anniversary of the end of Second World War
Upon entry everyone will be asked to sign in. This is required for possible future contact tracing. You will also have your temperature taken by one of the volunteers or bartender. If you have a temperature of more than 38 C you will not be allowed entry.
There will be ample signage as well as floor markings with arrows to point you in the right direction. The line up to the bar will begin in the kitchen with the required two meter distancing. Disposable cups will be used and bottled water will be for sale as no jugs of water will be available.
There will be fewer tables both in the lounge and main hall. There will not be any seating at the Horseshoe Bar and seating for four persons at the Stand up Bar. Seating at tables will be limited to 2-4 persons and of the same party. On sunny days the porch will have limited seating and the legion hopes to have the gardens open as well.
No coffee and tea will be available at this time. Snacks as usual will be available at the bar, but there will be no popcorn.
All touchpoints will be cleaned frequently. Tables will be cleaned in between seatings, and hand sanitizer will be readily available in key areas. Please remember to wash your hands and don’t touch your face.
The pool tables will not be opened and any games at this time will not be allowed including Mexican Train, bridge or crib.
— NEWS Staff, submitted