Calgary Stampede says 70 per cent of Nashville North patrons have shown proof of vaccine
The Calgary Stampede is stomping on accusations that people can pay bribes to gain entry into the Nashville North live music venue.
Speculation on social media suggested you could pay $50 to have a rapid test result thrown out, or pay $100 to bypass testing and skip vaccine approval.
All guests wanting to enter Nashville North must produce a negative PCR test, or show proof of one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, received at least two weeks prior.
“For the proof of vaccination, we’re timing in at something like a minute and thirty seconds per transaction,” said Calgary Stampede vice-president Jim Laurendeau.
“It’s thorough, but it’s efficient. The rapid testing program is more along the lines of 25 minutes.”
Laurendeau says the rumours about bribes are categorically false.
To test that, the Stampede says it has brought in third party auditors, and has 100 per cent confidence in the program it has in place.
“When the tests are on their way or known, then they will be called back to medical testing facility,” said Laurendeau.
“At that point they learn about results. If their results are positive, then they are then asked by the medical professionals also to proceed off the park and proceed home to contact AHS.”
Officials say 22,000 people have entered Nashville North so far during Stampede and 70 per cent have opted to use proof of vaccination. The rest have been tested.
Staff say there is a positivity rate of 0.05 per cent, or fewer than five people who have tested positive.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.