FACILITY UPDATE: COVID-19

February 2023 - Mask Requirement Update

The City of Oakland has extended the resolution that reinstates the mask mandate for everyone ages 6 and older inside city facilities, including libraries, City senior centers, senior adult care facilities, recreation centers, and civic center buildings to July 1, 2023.

With a rise in COVID-19 cases, and a surge in respiratory viruses, it is imperative for the health of our organization and community that you stay home when you’re sick, keep up on your vaccinations and boosters, and wash your hands frequently. More winter wellness tips are offered below. 

 

The City’s current COVID-19 rules and policies are available here. City Employees can reach out to Risk Management with any related questions or concerns. 

 


December 21, 2022 - Mask Requirement Update

The Oakland City Council passed a resolution that reinstates the mask mandate for everyone ages 6 and older inside city facilities, including libraries, City senior centers, senior adult care facilities, recreation centers, and civic center buildings. The mandate goes into effect immediately, with a sunset date of March 31, 2023. We will continue to make masks available to patrons of our buildings that may not arrive with one.  

 

With a rise in COVID-19 cases, and a surge in respiratory viruses, it is imperative for the health of our organization and community that you stay home when you’re sick, keep up on your vaccinations and boosters, and wash your hands frequently. More winter wellness tips are offered below. 

 

The City’s current COVID-19 rules and policies are available here. City Employees can reach out to Risk Management with any related questions or concerns. 

 

 


6/2/2022 - Mask Update

Please note that effective June 3, 2022, everyone entering the OIC will be required under Alameda County mandate to where a facemask, except when actively eating or drinking products from our food service vendor, or while showering in one of the lockerrooms. 

 

Thank you for your understanding, as we once again as we pivot into a new protocol.


3/2/2022

As guidance from state and local governments evolve, we continue to update our policies and procedures to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests. In accordance with new guidelines on mask wearing, we announce the following changes to our mask wearing policy

  • PROOF OF VACCINATION CONTINUES TO BE REQUIRED FOR ENTRANTS WHO ARE 12 AND OLDER
  • WHILE ENCOURAGED FOR ALL, MASKS WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED FOR VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS ENTERING THE OAKLAND ICE CENTER. 
  • If a child under 12 (2+ years old) wishes to go maskless, they must show proof of vaccination

8/2/2021

Today, several bay area counties, including Santa Clara and Alameda, reinstated indoor mask mandates. Effective tomorrow August 3rd, masks will once again be required at all times inside our facilities, regardless of age or vaccination status. We will continue to update our policies and procedures in accordance with the most current federal, state and local health guidance.

 


6/25/2021

As guidance from state and local governments evolve, we continue to update our policies and procedures to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests. In accordance with new guidelines on mask wearing, we announce the following changes to our mask wearing policy

 

Adults (age 18 or older)

  • If you are participating in an on-ice, adult-only activity with NO CHILDREN present, you may remove your mask while participating in that activity, IF you are fully vaccinated
  • Regardless of vaccination status, if you are participating in an on-ice activity that is not designated as adults-only, you must continue to wear your mask.
  • At all times you are inside the facility, while not on the ice, you must continue to wear your mask. 
  • Adult participants who are not fully vaccinated, must continue to wear a mask at all times inside the facility, including on-ice. 
  • By removing your mask for adult-only, on-ice activities you certify and attest to the fact that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

 

Youth (17 and Younger) 

  • Masks are required to be worn at all times, including on the ice, regardless of vaccination status. This may change as CDPH and CDC guidance for youth changes.

6/15/2021

With the State of California reopening on a larger scale today, June 15th, we are announcing the following updates to our facility policies and procedures: 

 

Until further notice, masks will continue to be required at all times inside the facility. We anticipate updates to this policy as more information becomes available from state and local officials in regards to indoor sports.  

 

Procedure updates: 

  • Temperature checks and health screenings will no longer be required for entry.
    • A reminder, if you feel sick or have had close contact with anyone currently COVID positive, please stay home. 
    • Individual program check in’s will still be in place where appropriate. 
  • No limit on additional spectators and/or public non participants. 
    • We ask that all spectators remain in designated seating areas, avoid gathering around rink entrances and exits.
  • We will no longer require social distancing at all times, although it is still encouraged.  
  • You are able to enter and exit the facility at any time, before or after your program. 
  • Full capacity locker room usage may resume at all facilities. 

 

During our COVID-19 reopening, we learned many valuable procedures that we will continue to employ moving forward. Enhanced cleaning measures, frequency of sanitization and many more policies have been updated to reflect our commitment to cleanliness inside our facilities for our customer and employee safety. 

 

We look forward to seeing all of our skaters and players back on the ice this summer!


4/7/2021

With Alameda County moving into the Orange Tier, we are happy to announce the return of some familar programs to our Facility. 

All of these programs will have limitations and require purchasing of admission online, prior to entry. Please click on the individual program pages for the most up to date information.


3/10/2021

With Alameda County moving into the Red Tier, we are happy to announce we will be reopening the Oakland facility on a limited basis beginning Monday March 15th with our hockey and figure skating cohorts.  Many of these programs were previously enrolled prior to our last closure, and are at capacity. More information about new registration opportunities will be posted in the coming weeks.

Below is a reminder of the policies and procedures we will reinstitute upon reopening. 

  • Continued Health Screenings upon entry to the facility.
  • Cleaning and Sanitization schedules continued 
  • No non-participants will be permitted in the facility 
  • Must register online for all programs and sessions prior to arrival  
  • Masks are required AT ALL TIMES. Including while on the ice during a session.

1/26/2021

With the state recently removing the Stay-at-Home orders, and moving counties back into the tiered color system, we have received many inquiries regarding when we may be able to reopen. Under the current model, we are prohibited from reopening in the purple (widespread) tier. As we have since the beginning of this pandemic, we continue to adhere to all county and state guidelines.  We will be reopen on a limited basis when our local counties reach the red level of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and hope that with numbers beginning to trend better, that will be very soon.


12/4/2020

Dear Sharks Ice families:

 

As many of you have already heard, Alameda County’s Health Officer has joined with five other Bay Area health officers in implementing a Stay At Home order effective Monday, December 7. The new restrictions will be in effect until January 4, 2021.  Among other suspended activities, the on-ice youth classes, camps and clinics we have been offering must temporarily cease beginning on Monday. Programs will continue as planned through Sunday, December 6.

 

It deeply saddens us not to be able to offer these healthy activities and childcare options for the children in our community.  At the same time, we respect the county’s guidance and are proud to continue to do our part to ensure the public safety.  We sincerely hope the current initiative will help to drive down the community spread of COVID-19 in the Bay Area, and that we will be able to pick up where we are leaving off in the new year.

 

We are exploring the opportunity for outdoor classes, virtual programs, and other approved activities.  In the meantime, please stay safe and enjoy your holiday season.

 

Sincerely,

Sharks Ice


11/17/2020

Dear Sharks Ice adult participants,

 

As you have probably heard by now, the State of California has pressed a ‘pause button’ on most indoor activities in an effort to curb the trajectory of COVID spread in our area.  In compliance with the State’s mandate, we must likewise press a pause button on our adult classes, freestyles and clinics until further notice.  (Our Pro Shops will be open on a limited basis during this time.)

 

The situation and the State’s guidelines are fluid based upon actual cases and trends.  We remain hopeful that we will be able to restart our adult programs shortly.  As soon as we are given the green light to do so, we will pick back up where we left off.  We will keep you apprised of any updates in this regard.

 

In the meantime, we appreciate your understanding, flexibility and patience.  We have so enjoyed having our adult clientele in the buildings, and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

 

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving,

Sharks Ice Management

 


10/14/2020

Recently, Alameda County moved from the Purple Tier One into the Red Tier Two of the State of California Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Due to this, the county we are happy to announce the return of some of our favorite programs on a limitted basis. Beginning Monday October 12th, we will be bringing back the following programs. 

Hourly Freestyle Skating 

Limited Capacity Learn to Skate Classes (Week of October 19th) 

Each program will be limitted in size, and will follow all health protocols prior to entry and inside the facility. For more information on returning programs, including when and where to sign up, please visit the program pages by clicking above. 

 


4/23/2020

As we continue to shelter at home, our thoughts are never far from the ice and the community of skaters, parents and fans who come to our facilities by the thousands on a weekly basis. You may have seen in the news recently, there is growing optimism  about the re-opening of ‘non-essential’ business in the coming weeks. We are also monitoring all information to be prepared for when the mandates are lifted, and we are able to resume operations in some fashion.

While it is our goal to open as soon as possible, there will be several factors that will dictate how we roll out our regularly scheduled programs, once the shelter in place is lifted.

 

  1. We may receive very little notice that we can reopen;
  2. We assume that notice will contain more specifics about how we can and must operate when we reopen, include PPE requirements for our employees and guests;
  3. We want to have ample time to both organize and give our customers notice of the resumption of class lessons, leagues and other disrupted programs.

 

In consideration of all these factors, it is our intention to resume disrupted programming not less than seven days from the date we reopen and will notify our affected customers as soon as we have all the information we need to operate in a clean and safe environment. Once the mandates have been lifted, Sharks Ice Management will determine the best date and time to reopen, and we will communicate that to our customers directly. We can’t wait to see you all back on the ice very soon!

 


4/06/2020

As you know, the nine counties of the Bay Area recently extended their stay-at-home order through May 3rd 2020. Due to this mandate, and the premium importance we place on the safety of both our employees and guests, all three Sharks Ice facilities, including Solar4America Ice at San Jose, Solar4America Ice at Fremont and the Oakland Ice Center, will be closed through May 3rd. We will continue to assess local, regional and state guidelines as they evolve to determine when and how we get back on the ice. 

In the meantime, our Sharks Ice Management Team is meeting daily to ensure we are fully prepared to welcome you back once we can safely return. It is our intention to complete the winter seasons of Learn to Skate, In-House Hockey and Adult Hockey that were disrupted due to these closures. We will do our best to communicate to each of our ice sports communities about what the schedule will look like through direct communications as well as updates on our websites.  Once we are back open and operating, we will assess the process for refunds and credits based on our ability to reschedule programs that were missed.  We thank you, in advance, for your patience and understanding about the changing nature of the situation and will try to keep you up to date on the most current information we have as we move forward.  

While we are working from home, our thoughts are never far from the ice and our customers. Our coaches, instructors and managers have been sharing tips for staying sharp and in shape while away from the ice. We encourage all of you to check out our skating Pro Tips page for workout plans and messages. Our social media outlets including Solar4America IceOakland Ice Center and San Jose Jr. Sharks will also keep you connected to us and the sports that you love. And of course, our management team will continue to be available via email to address any specific questions that might arise.  

Our hockey and skating community is strong. YOU are the biggest reason we love doing what we do! We are confident we will come out of this unprecedented time even stronger. In the meantime, stay home and stay safe!


3/17/2020

In accordance with the shelter in place mandate from all local county governments, our Sharks Ice Network of Rinks (Solar4America Ice in San Jose and Fremont and the Oakland Ice Center) will be closed through May 3rd. We appreciate your continued support and we look forward to seeing you back at the rink as soon as possible! Stay safe.


3/13/2020

Today, several counties and municipalities placed more severe restrictions on public gatherings and announced broad-sweeping closures of public facilities.  After much consideration, the Sharks Ice Network of rinks (Solar4America Ice at San Jose and Fremont, and the Oakland Ice Center) have chosen to remain closed through Sunday, March 22nd. Before re-opening, we will reassess the then-current local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we move forward on a week by week basis.

Until we determine the exact date for re-opening, we are unable to provide a cohesive plan for rescheduling and/or other compensatory measures for missed events.  Thank you for your understanding in this regard.

The health and safety of our patrons and employees are paramount, and we are happy to do our part to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. 

We thank you for your continued support, and look forward to seeing you back at the rinks as soon as possible.


3/12/2020

Sharks Ice Community,

As we continue to monitor the developing situation with the COVID-19 virus, the Sharks Ice Network of public skating facilities (Solar4America Ice in San Jose and Fremont and the Oakland Ice Center) will temporarily close operations to the general public for three days beginning Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15.  We will reopen on Monday, March 16 for normal programming.  During this pause, we will use the opportunity to enhance our cleaning practices and to assess upcoming events and programming to determine the best schedule that will comply with all  governmental mandates for the communities safety. 

The Norcal “A” Championships that were scheduled to be played at Solar4America Ice at San Jose have been postponed to a later date.

While information from the local, state and federal government is changing rapidly, please continue to follow our social channels and website for updated information.   We thank all of our guests for their patience and understanding during this time.

Information about reschedule or other compensatory measures for canceled programs will be released shortly.


3/9/2020

The Sharks Ice network of public ice facilities is aware of the recommendations made by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and we continue to actively monitor the situation.

At this time, all ice facilities (Solar4America Ice at San Jose, Solar4America Ice at Fremont, and the Oakland Ice Center operated by Sharks Ice) remain open and in operation.  Protocol is that each facility is cleaned daily to preserve a healthy environment for all patrons.  This includes a thorough cleaning and sanitization of all high-traffic areas including the front desk, food and beverage areas, restrooms, public seating areas, locker rooms, and player bench areas. 

As a standard practice, ANY potential guest who is feeling ill, regardless of their symptoms, should always refrain from visiting public spaces and attending public events.

For all of our guests, we ask the following:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and clean your hands.