Cheektowaga, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County Department of Health continues to crack down on businesses not in compliance with current COVID guidelines and Saturday the department announced it issued a 'close order' for Holiday Twin Rinks on Broadway in Cheektowaga after a visit Friday night.
The department issued a statement Saturday saying a public health sanitarian inspected Holiday Twin Rinks Friday night and observed a hockey scrimmage, which is not currently allowed under NY Forward Sports and Recreation guidance. A close order has been issued and the facility will be allowed to open after a safety plan has been submitted to the department, and reviewed and approved. The facility will also have to reaffirm that it will follow NY Forward guidance.
Health department officaials also say their epidemiology school team has received multiple, recent results of COVID-19 cases among coaches, parents and youth hockey players, along with accounts of hockey scrimmages being played. ECDOH public health sanitarians are conducting inspections of sports facilities based on these reports and complaints.
The health department reminds sports facilities directors, and youth sports coaches and families that NY Forward guidance for sports and recreation is still in effect. Teams for high-risk sports are not permitted to participate in competitive team practices, games, meets, matches, scrimmages (e.g. organized leagues, pick-up sports), or competitive tournaments of multiple games, meets, matches, or scrimmages requiring travel.
Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw has expressed disapproval of the action by the health department and said in a statement; "I was extremely disheartened to hear about the Erie County Department of Health yet again attacking local businesses by shutting down your business. Hundreds of children involved in youth sports can no longer practice or engage in much needed exercise. Families planning to travel for practices now must make last minute plans. Erie County's unfortunate attacks on businesses is needlessly destroying families."
Mychajliw also told the operators of the rink to not pay the health department if they are fined and reach out to the Comtroller's office directly. Mychajliw has challenged the health department's fine collections and is instituting a payment plan to spread out any fines over several years.
