COVID Update from Sport NL

Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation Update

10:13am - March 27, 2021

  The Techniplex is permitted to separate/section their space as they did previously, however spectator limits have changed in the latest Special Measures Order:

o   Arenas, gyms and fitness facilities, including yoga studios, swimming pools, indoor tennis, squash facilities and dance studios may operate at an occupancy limited to groups of no more than 50 people per rink surface, playing space or room provided that 2 metres of distance between participants may be maintained. With the exception of 1 person per child as required to assist the child in preparing to participate in a group activity, spectators are not permitted.

 Given the Techniplex has not permitted spectators during the COVID-19 period, the spectator piece is not relevant

Sport NL COVID update

2:41 PM - March 25, 2021

• Canada Games/Provincial Team training pods

Regular activities, such as Canada Games team, provincial teams and High Performance Programs are permitted to occur, as long as operators are complying with the respective Guidance documents (e.g. Sport Guidance, Arena Guidance, etc).  There is no requirement to restrict training to groups from a specific Regional Health Authorities Regions, however PSOs may continue a regional approach at their discretion.

• High performance training camps/events for athletes within Atlantic Bubble

Given the Atlantic bubble has not yet open, it is difficult at this point to provide approval for these activities.  It is recommended that PSOs include relevant details in the PSO Return to Sport Plan for consideration.

• Dividing large indoor and outdoor facilities to accommodate multiple groups of 50

Nothing definitive on this yet and it may come in the guidance but there may be an opportunity for facilities to work with Service NL Environmental Health Officers to determine if a space can be divided. Will provide further updates on this when we have more information.

• Sports Camps

Some of you have also been asking about sports camps. Sport camps (regardless of the time period they are offered), should comply with After School Program/Day Camp Guidance, Sport Guidance and other guidance documents that would apply.

9:09 am - March 25, 2021

• The Province will move to Alert Level 2 as of 12:01am Saturday March 27, 2021.
• That means an immediate return to skills and drills/practices which can include intra-squad games between a single team.
• Inter-squad games and other competition will require return to play plans.
• The maximum number for gatherings is 50.
• There will be a progressive approach to the types of inter-squad games that can be played (Inter-divisional, inter-association, regional, etc.)
• We are expecting 2 week intervals as we progress through level 2.
• Sport Guidance is expected to be available by end of week (will update if this changes)
• Government will be providing a Return to Play plan template to be used for submitted plans. These will be hosted on the SportNL Website.
• The Special Measures Order for wearing non-medical masks remains unchanged.  PH recommends that all individuals wear a mask as much as possible, including when participating in low intensity physical activity.
• The same screening tools should be use by individuals and organizations in the resumption of activities. www.811healthline.ca/covid-19-self-assessment/ www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/Screening-Questionnaire-2.pdf