On this page:
- Being Active During COVID-19
- Sports Clusters
- COVID-19 Guidance for Return to Sport and Recreation/Fitness Facilities
- COVID-19 Guidance for the Sports and Recreation Sector (pdf - 744 KB)
- Guidance for Return to Sport, Recreation and Fitness – Facility/Venue Owners and Operators and Other Providers of Recreation Programs and Fitness Services
- COVID-19 Guidance for Return to Play - Participants & Parents
- COVID-19 Guidance for Return to Play - Sports Organizations
- COVID-19 Guidance for Providers of Recreation Programs and Fitness Services
- Additional COVID-19 Guidance for Recreational Facility Operation
- Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Being Active During COVID-19
Physical activity and getting fresh air are important for our overall physical and mental wellness. There are ways to be active either at home or outside while keeping physical distance and being COVIDWise.
Ways to be active either at home or outside |
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Our neighbourhood sidewalks, streets, multiuse paths, and dog parks are all available to get outside and get moving. When doing these activities, some ways to stay safe:
Learn more on the guidelines for the use of City parks. Before going outside, consider the following questions and assess whether you can keep a 2 metre (6 feet) distance from others:
Gyms/Fitness Studios (e.g., yoga, dance, martial arts) are now openIt is important to remember that even with precautions, working out inside with others is still considered a higher risk activity. If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 illness you will need to assess what level of risk is appropriate for you. You may need to consider other options for being physically active (e.g., being active outdoors). The use of masks is recommended for any exercise within the gym that does not significantly increase your heart rate and breathing. You, the exercising person, will be the best judge of this. It is also recommended that patrons practice physical distancing (2 metres or 6 feet apart) from others at all times Outdoor and team sports:Team sports may only be practiced or played within the facility if they do not allow or have been modified to avoid physical contact between players. This means that if players are “practicing” or “playing” team sports, they must play a modified game to avoid physical contact. Ideas to stay active at homeIf you can’t get outside or don’t have access to a private outdoor space, there are many ways to be active indoors.
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Who can be active outside? Know your own risks. | |||||||||||||||||||||
For some people, it is okay to go out for a walk, run, or bike-ride. Others may need to stay in their homes for their own safety and/or the safety of the community. Follow the instructions for your situation below:
Always remember to wash your hands when you come back in from outside. |
Sports Clusters
Sports Cluster Part 1 |
This timeline for this infographic is between October 2 and October 20. Prior to October 10, in accordance with Stage 3 regulations from the province, sports team practices were permitted to have up to 50 people who were in the same league. On October 10, Ottawa transitioned to Modified Stage 2 regulations from the province, which permit up to 10 people at a team practice indoors, in line with indoor gathering limits. OPH has been working closely with sport organization partners in the community. The changes made by province regarding sports teams helped address some of these concerns. We must all continue to be COVIDWise when participating in organized team sports by wearing a mask, isolating from others when we are sick, staying 2m apart from those outside our households, and exercising proper hand hygiene. Additional background
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Sports Cluster Part 2 |
This is a visual representation of a community transmission cluster involving one person (asymptomatic) with COVID-19 who attended an indoor hockey team practice. This transmission event resulted in:
The text on the infographic highlights some factors that played a role in the widespread transmission of COVID-19 in this cluster. Our individual and collective actions matter. As a result of this cluster, Ottawa Public Health worked with stakeholders to reduce high-risk behaviours, encouraged play SMART and developed educational materials and resources to limit COVID-19 transmission in sports. |
COVID-19 Guidance for Return to Sport and Recreation/Fitness Facilities
These guidelines are intended to provide guidance to support facilities and organizers to re-open as safely as possible in the COVID-19 context.
This guidance is subject to change and will be updated as needed. Current information related to COVID-19 can be found at www.ottawapublichealth.ca/coronavirus.
Refer to Government of Ontario's website for additional information.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) would like to remind all participants (athletes, clients, coaches, staff, officials, parents, spectators) and facility/venue owners, operators and other providers that participating in and offering fitness and recreational sports programs is considered a high-risk activity.
Being physically active, including participating in sports is good for both physical and mental health. To lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission from sports, OPH recommends the following safety precautions:
- Practice your sport outside rather than inside whenever possible. If practicing indoors, ensure you are in a large and well-ventilated space such as an arena, gymnasium, or sports dome.
- Consider participating in individual sports – such as running, swimming, or skiing – over team sports.
- Try sports where there is more natural spacing, such as tennis, badminton, or mountain biking.
- Choose non-contact sports (like ultimate frisbee or dance) over contact sports (like football or soccer), where participants are unable to physically distance from each other.
- If participating in multiple sports, try to limit yourself to one sports team/league and choose individual sports as a supplement.
- When not actively playing (such as when in changing rooms or during breaks), wear a mask, practice physical distancing, avoid any shared water bottles and snacks, and practice regular hand hygiene.
OPH encourages physical activity but strongly advises participants to consider their own personal circumstances and risk factors including risk for exposure to the COVID-19 virus when making decisions about going out and participating in sports and recreation programs.
OPH recognizes that the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases progressively with age, particularly beyond 50 years of age. In addition to increasing age, people who have serious underlying medical conditions (such as: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, cancer, are immunocompromised) or who are severely obese are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. They should take extra precautions and may want to consult with their healthcare provider when considering participating in fitness or sports programs.
Please follow these recommended precautions and be COVIDWise, to help keep the transmission of COVID-19 under control in our community.
- W – Wear a mask or face covering where required, or when you cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet).
- I – Isolate yourself from others when you are sick (and get tested if you have COVID-like symptoms).
- S – Stay at least two metres (six feet) apart from those outside your household.
- E – Exercise proper hand hygiene; wash your hands regularly or use sanitizer especially before touching your face.
Guidance for Return to Sport, Recreation and Fitness – Facility/Venue Owners and Operators and Other Providers of Recreation Programs and Fitness Services |
General ConsiderationsStay informed with the provincial guidance for sport as it may change regionally and impact the restrictions and allowances.
Notice of RiskPublic health measures taken by participants, organizers and operators for recreational and sporting activities are part of Ontario’s collective approach to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. The risk of transmission in any setting will increase when physical distancing, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene practices are not followed. It is important to note that , there is no such thing as zero risk. Activities such as sports and physical activity are higher risk. Additionally, although measures can be taken to ensure participation in sport is as safe as possible, participating athletes, spectators, coaches, and staff will still be at risk for exposure to COVID-19 while participating. It is recommended to include some form of consent waiver as part of the enrolment process for any sport or activity. Individuals should be advised of the risks involved with participation prior to their engagement in the activity. Screening
Mandatory Mask Use in Enclosed Public SpacesEffective October 3, 2020, the Province updated the Ontario Regulation 364/20 that mandates the use of masks in all public indoor settings across Ontario which includes workplaces. Building on the current Ottawa Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law, which requires masks to be worn in all publicly-accessed indoor spaces, the new provincial measures now extends this requirement to all indoor areas including those not accessible to the public, where a two-meter distance from others cannot be maintained at all times. Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law: Info for businesses and operators (pdf - 219 KB)
Physical Distancing
Hand Hygiene and Other Public Health Measures
Scheduling and Capacity/Gathering Limits
Testing/Sick Protocol
Staff & Volunteers
Emergency Response Plan
Resumption of Service Plan
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COVID-19 Guidance for Return to Play - Participants & Parents |
A safer return to sport and recreation will require cooperation from everyone – including participants. Stay informed with the provincial guidance for sport as it may change regionally and impact the restrictions and allowances. Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19
Wear a mask
Ensure physical distancing
Equipment and Personal Items
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COVID-19 Guidance for Return to Play – Sports Organizations |
General GuidanceStay informed with the provincial guidance for sport as it may change regionally and impact the restrictions and allowances. Sport organizations are recommended to review the Ontario Ministry’s return to play guidance, Ontario Guidance for facilities for sports and recreational fitness activitiesand OPH guidance to inform the development of their return to play plans. When there are discrepancies between these guidance documents, strict health and safety measures (e.g. highest level of mitigation possible) are recommended.
Leagues
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COVID19 Guidance for Providers of Recreation Programs and Fitness Services |
This guidance is applicable for group fitness and recreation programs, personal training and other services. Stay informed with the provincial guidance for sport as it may change regionally and impact the restrictions and allowances. General Considerations
Scheduling & Capacity
Participants
Personal Training
Group Classes (land and water)
Weight Rooms
Indoor Tracks
Tennis, Pickle-ball, Squash and Other Racquet Courts
Drop In, Pick Up Programs
Gymnastics
Multi-use Gymnasiums, Fieldhouses and Community Centres
Saunas and Steam Rooms
Tanning Services
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Additional COVID-19 Guidance for Recreational Facility Operation |
Ventilation
Signage
Physical Distancing
Cleaning and Disinfection
Lockers and Changerooms
Spectators
Food Premises in Sport & Recreation Facilities
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Additional Resources
Adapted with permission from Eastern Ontario Health Unit |
References |
Adapted with permission from Eastern Ontario Health Unit |
Resources
- Ottawa Public Health
- City of Ottawa - Business Reopening Toolkit
- COVID Wise information for businesses and workplaces
- Ottawa Sport Council- Ottawa Return to Play Roadmap
- Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa Board of Trade - Business Reopening Workshop – Sports and Recreation. Aug 27, 2020
- Ontario Recreation Facilities Association - Recreation Facility Reopening COVID-19
- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
- Provincial and National Sport Organizations
- Ontario Government – Reopening Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions
Sport Organizations, Coaches, Athletes and Parents
How do I stay informed of all the changes to guidance and regulations around sports? |
The Province of Ontario provides a detailed framework and a regional approach to reopening, with regions that demonstrated readiness based on trends in key public health indicators. The Province of Ontario website provides up to date information on the current stage and framework for the Province and any additional measures in place for regions. Ottawa Public Health Sports, Recreation and Being Active During Covid-19 webpage provides information and resources to help you stay COVIDWise during your activities. |
Return to Sport
How can I reduce my risk of transmitting COVID-19 when returning to organized sports? |
A return to sport and recreation requires everyone to be COVIDWise – including participants, athletes, clients, coaches, staff, officials, parents and spectators. Facility operators and sport and recreation organizers (associations, coaches and volunteers) are being asked to create plans and adapt activities to ensure a safer and enjoyable return to sport and recreation for all. OPH would like to remind participants including facility/venue owners, operators and other providers that participating in and offering fitness and recreational sports programs is considered a high-risk activity. OPH encourages physical activity but strongly advises participants to consider their own personal circumstances and risk factors including risk for exposure to the COVID-19 virus when making decisions about going out and participating in sports and recreation programs. Ottawa Public Health recognizes that the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases progressively with age, particularly beyond 50 years of age. In addition to increasing age, people who have serious underlying medical conditions (such as: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, cancer, are immunocompromised) are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. They should take extra precautions and may want to consult with their healthcare provider when considering participating in fitness or sports programs. Please follow these recommended precautions and be COVIDWise, to help keep the transmission of COVID-19 under control in our community.
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What are the best practices to create a safer return to play plan for our organization/sport? |
Sports organizations are recommended to be aware of the current guidance and restrictions for their area.Additionally, sport organizations are recommended to review the Ontario Ministry’s return to play guidance, Ontario Guidance for facilities for sports and recreational fitness activitiesand OPH guidance to inform the development of their return to play plans. When there are discrepancies between these guidance documents, strict health and safety measures (e.g. highest level of mitigation possible) are recommended. |
What can I expect when I return to sporting activities in a facility? |
You can expect that there will be COVID signage and visual markers for physical distancing along with additional safety protocols in place including:
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How does the guidance on leagues impact team and individual sports? |
Leagues are a way to control gathering limits in relation to sport. The size of league, gathering or capacity limits will be determined for regions and stages of reopening. The regulation will also provide restrictions or allowance for game play. |
Can players join more than one league (e.g. 2 hockey leagues, a hockey league and a soccer league, or community sports league and school sports league)? |
Yes. However due to the increased risk of COVID-19 exposure associated with participation in multiple sports or leagues, OPH recommends limiting yourself to one sport, team or league as a player, coach, or trainer and choose individual activities as a supplement. |
Are coaches, officials and trainers able to work more than one sport or team? |
Yes but coaches, officials and trainers are advised to limit their exposure and work within only one league. OPH strongly discourages individuals from coaching/being officials in multiple sports leagues as this increases their potential exposure to COVID-19 and puts other participants and members of their household and social supports at increased risk. Note: the impacts of any required self-isolation that could result due to a positive COVID-19 test is exponential based on exposure and number of contacts. |
How can we minimize sharing of equipment or gear? |
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Health & Safety
What are best practices for athletes to reduce risk and stay safer when participating in team or individual sports? |
It is important for athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to follow OPH’s recommended precautions and be COVIDWise to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Be aware that even when complying with safety recommendations, there is still a risk of exposure to COVID-19. |
Cleaning and Disinfection
What is the best practice for cleaning uniforms and athletic attire? |
OPH recommends changing your clothes at the end of practice, once you arrive home. Clean and disinfect all equipment and personal items before and after every activity. Wash your clothing with regular laundry detergent after the activity. Wash all pinnies and vests between uses. |
Can athletes within our sport organization share equipment (e.g. back catcher equipment, hockey goalie equipment, pinnie, etc.)? |
Yes, as long as equipment which is shared is properly cleaned and disinfected between users. Ensure you wash your hands before and after cleaning the shared equipment. COVID-19 is more commonly spread through droplets but can survive up to 72 hours on certain surfaces. OPH recommends limiting the use of shared equipment unless you are engaged in an activity with a participant from the same household. |
How do we clean shared fitness and sport equipment? |
Any equipment that is washable should be washed or disinfected following the manufacturer’s instructions for each item.
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Is it necessary to fully sanitize all equipment in between athletes or is it enough to have athletes wash hands in between users? |
Yes, Fitness and sport equipment should be cleaned and disinfected frequently, including between use by different individuals and at the end of play. When options are available, choose equipment with non-porous, wipeable surfaces so that it can be easily cleaned and disinfected between users. |
Are there other considerations for touch points that are not easily cleaned such as floor mats or trampolines? |
Sports equipment that is challenging to clean should be avoided or used with caution. Regular frequent hand hygiene is required prior to and following use. It is important to note, that hand hygiene does not prevent the equipment from becoming contaminated by exhaled respiratory droplets. Masks should be encouraged as tolerated, during light activity or when not actively engaged in the sport/activity. When options are available, choose equipment with non-porous, wipeable surfaces which allows easy cleaning and disinfection between users. Athletes should be encouraged to bring their own equipment. If athletes need to share equipment, they should limit the use of shared equipment to members of the same household or social supports. In addition, athletes should limit participation in shared activities to members of the same household or social supports. If machinery or equipment are contaminated and cannot be cleaned, ensure they are inaccessible and removed from service. Isolate papers or any soft (porous) surfaces for a minimum of 24 hours before handling. After 24 hours, remove soft materials from the area and clean the hard (non-porous) surfaces per the cleaning and disinfection recommendations. Isolate hard (non-porous) surfaces that cannot be cleaned and disinfected for a minimum of 7 days before handling). |
Competition
Are there any restrictions on individual athletes training cohorts and or competition participation? |
Individual athletes returning to sport training are recommended to reduce their risk of transmission by being COVIDWise, following the facility policies, and limiting their contacts by training and competing within local sport cohorts. Keeping sport, physical activity, and recreation activities local is preferred. Travel to other regions in the province and out of province should be limited. Current provincial and federal travel restrictions should be followed. |
Mask Wearing
Is mask wearing required by athletes who are waiting to play if the activity is taking place outdoors? |
Yes. Ottawa Public Health recommends masks are worn in all situations where physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) is difficult to maintain – indoors and outdoors. Some outdoor spaces may include, but not limited to, benches, dugouts, and sidelines when physical distancing is not possible. |
Is mask wearing required by officials or coaches while outdoors? |
No. Athletes, coaches or officials are not required to wear a mask when engaged actively in play or training and maintaining physical distancing. Masks, protective eyewear, face shield and gloves would be required when responding to a first aid or emergency where a parent or member of household is not present to respond. |
Testing / Sick Protocol
If one participant is sick and leaves to get tested for COVID-19, are there additional steps I should be taking around cleaning, and contacting athletes? |
Yes. It is important for everyone to be COVIDWise at all times to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All individuals including athletes, coaching staff and officials, should regularly self-monitor for symptoms of Covid-19 and complete a Covid-19 self-assessment before attending each game/sport. If they are screened out of play via the self-assessment, are feeling sick (even with mild symptoms), are awaiting test results, or have been advised to self-isolate by Ottawa Public Health, they should be excluded from activities/games, stay home, get tested and self-isolate. Other staff and participants awaiting the results of those who have been tested may not need to be excluded if they have not been in close contact with the individual in question. In addition to routine cleaning, surfaces that have frequent contact with hands should be cleaned and disinfected at least twice per day and when visibly dirty. For more information, see Public Health Ontario’s fact sheet on Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings and refer to OPH’s cleaning and disinfection checklist. |
If my child has a mild cough or other mild symptoms, how long do I have to keep him/her home before returning to sport or school/childcare? |
You should keep your child home from sports, school or childcare for at least 24 hours from when the symptom started and notify both organizations that your child is ill with symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19. Your child’s household contacts (for example siblings, parents/guardians) must also isolate at home while monitoring their child’s symptom. If the symptom is improving and the child does not have a fever during the first 24 hours, without fever-reducing medication, the child may return to school/childcare/sports when they feel well enough to do so. If symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, then the child has to have had no diarrhea or vomiting for 48 hours before returning to school/childcare/sports. A negative COVID-19 test is not required to return. Household contacts who are symptom-free can also end their self-isolation. If the symptom persists or worsens or if your child develops an additional symptom(s), your child should either i) go to a COVID-19 assessment centre or care clinic to get tested as soon as possible or ii) contact your child’s health care provider for further advice, assessment, or other treatment. Your child may return to school/childcare/sports when either:
For more information contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or refer to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre and Care Clinics Webpage. |
COVID-19 Update
Contact Information
Ottawa Public Health COVID-19 telephone line
- Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Weekends, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Translation is available in multiple languages
- Telephone: 613-580-6744 follow the prompts to the COVID-19 telephone line
- TTY: 613-580-9656
Emergency Services
- If you are in distress (e.g., significant trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or have a significant worsening of any chronic disease symptoms), do not go to the Assessment Centre or a COVID-19 Care clinic. Go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 9-1-1.
See someone not respecting COVID-19 rules?
- Learn more about COVID-19 rules.
- Telephone: 3-1-1
How to access help during COVID-19
- 211 Ontario can help you find financial and social support during COVID-19
- Telephone: 2-1-1
Related Information
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