Sports, Recreation and Being Active During COVID-19

Know your risks

Certain groups are at a higher risk for COVID-19 (e.g., older adults, people with weakened immune systems or people with chronic health conditions) and should take extra precautions.  Activities have high to low levels of risk when it comes to spreading the virus.  It is important to note that there is no such thing as zero risk.

Activities such as sports, and recreation activities are high risk for COVID-19 transmission due to close contact, heavy breathing during activity, and often in indoor spaces.  It is important to note that although measures can be taken to ensure participation is as safe as possible, there will still be a risk for COVID-19 while participating.

Ottawa Public Health advocates for individuals to make informed decisions as to whether they engage in various activities.

Transmission of COVID-19 is possible before, during and after events and activities. Precautions are required to reduce the risk of transmission while enabling participation to occur.

S – Self screen and Stay home when sick. 

Ways to stay active

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: 

• Step-aside or pass others quickly and courteously on sidewalks. Passing someone on the sidewalk is not considered a close contact or a significant risk for exposure to COVID-19.
• Keep two metres (six feet) distance from others or wear a mask if this is not possible. 
• When moving at a fast pace (such as when running or cycling), it is best to stay as far away from others as possible.
• If you must be behind another runner or cyclist, stay well back and try to stagger yourselves so as to not be directly behind them.
• Change your route or the time of day that you go out, so that you can follow these guidelines.

Learn more on the guidelines for the use of city parks.

Outdoor and team sports:

Refer to the Reopening Ontario Roadmap for guidelines and information on what is currently permitted. 

All sports need to be modified to avoid physical contact and COVID Wise protocols to promote safer participation when permitted within the framework.  

Ideas to stay active at home

If you can’t get outside or don’t have access to a private outdoor space, there are many ways to be active indoors. 

• Be creative and use what you have at home to keep everyone moving.
• Access online resources for both live and recorded activities to get you moving at home:
• ParticipAction
• Ottawa Public Library – isolation recreation
• GoNoodle

How do I stay informed of all the changes to guidance and regulations in sports & recreation?

Yes, active screening can be done in person or remotely by telephone, internet, email, or through an app prior to entry.

Employers/Operators must use all the Screening Tool’s questions in their active screening process. If an individual does not pass the screening (i.e., if the individual answers “YES” to any of the questions), they must advise the individual that they cannot enter the workplace or activity (including outdoors/partially outdoor workplaces), must go home, self-isolate and contact their health provider or Telehealth Ontario for further instructions.

For further information visit: Ontario Covid-19 Screening Tools

Yes. It is important for everyone to be Social Wise 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.

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:

• A negative test result is received and 24 hours have passed after symptoms have resolved. (If symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, the child has to have had no diarrhea or vomiting for 48 hours before returning to school/childcare. Household contacts who are symptom-free can end their self-isolation when the negative result is received.
• A physician or nurse practitioner concludes the symptoms are not from COVID-19 and provides an alternative diagnosis and 24 hours have passed after symptoms have resolved. If symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, the child has to have had no diarrhea or vomiting for 48 hours before returning to school/childcare. Household contacts who are symptom-free can end their self-isolation when the alternative diagnosis by a physician or nurse practitioner is received.

For more information contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or refer to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre and Care Clinics Webpage.

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