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 SOCIAL-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 

• Wear a mask and maintain physical distance when outside of the home
• Avoid places where there are many people who are vulnerable (e.g., visiting a long-term care home) or many people who are not vaccinated (e.g., volunteering at a school)
• Report the exposure to their employer and/or Occupational Health department and follow any workplace policies in place for high-risk contacts
• Isolate immediately and get tested if any symptom(s) of COVID-19 develop

Group activities such as sports and recreation activities are higher risk for COVID-19 transmission due to close contact, heavy breathing during activity, and often taking place 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 transmission to others while participating. While being fully vaccinated provides strong personal protection against COVID-19 infection, it is still possible to transmit the virus to others.

OPH recommends that fully vaccinated high-risk contacts only consider participating in sports and other group activities when:

• A strict COVID-19 vaccine policy is in place that covers all eligible players/participants, officials, coaches and volunteers in the league/club/organization
• All players/participants are 12 years of age and older, thereby meeting age-based COVID-19 vaccine eligibility requirements

Before participating in group activities, all individuals need to consider their personal risk factors for COVID-19 infection and severe illness, as well as that of others that they interact with (e.g., family members).

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. 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. 

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.