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Recent updates on the PHO restrictions

 

With the Dec 22, 2021 updates on the PHO restrictions, I am sure a lot of you have a lot of questions and would need some clarification.  We know things are not exactly black and white at the moment and is difficult for all of us to navigate the latest updates to the PHO Order.

We had a zoom call with viaSport and these are the updates from them that we would like to share with everyone.

"We want to stress the intention of the Order: to allow sport to continue in a paired-back version where we will need to exercise our best judgment on how to proceed as safe as possible. We also understand there seems to be differences between sport, fitness and recreation, and in light of that, we need to proceed with extra caution because none of us want decisions in sport to be the reason for further restrictions.
 
For example, now is not the time for certain types of activities or competitions to proceed (eg regional tournaments, social events, inter-provincial travel, etc). Our aim at this time should be to make sure that the decisions we make preserves the core activities of sport so that it can continue as much as possible.
 
As promised, here are further details we’ve managed to confirm regarding Sport, Recreation and Fitness. I want to start by highlighting what has been updated from our call earlier today. You can also find that our updated chart here: www.viasport.ca/return-to-sport-2021

 

  • Activities that take place in a sport environment are allowed, but this does not include fitness centers or workout gyms.
  • Coaching courses, or other similar activities, are subject to 50% of the occupancy rate of the space.

Sport Restrictions:

  • Sport tournaments are not allowed at this time
    • Tournaments are a single or multi-day gathering of three or more sport teams, who come together outside regular league play but does not include
      • A gathering where team members compete on an individual basis against members of other teams, or
      • A gathering where the result will decide if a team will advance to play in a national or international competition.
  • Interprovincial travel and international travel for sport is advised against
  • All activities that would typically take place in a sport environment (other than tournaments) may continue
  • High performance athletes are exempt from the Order. They can train, travel or compete in accordance with the athlete’s respective PSO, NSO and Canadian Sport Institute Pacific COVID-19 safety protocols.
    • High performance athlete means a person who is identified by the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific as a high-performance athlete affiliated with an accredited provincial or national sports organization
  • All other Return to Sport Restart Step 3 restrictions (including proof of vaccination) must be followed. 

 
Exercise & Fitness:

  • Indoor individual and group adult fitness and exercise activities within fitness facilities (e.g. exercise studios, dance studios, and workout gyms) are not permitted

All activities that would typically take place in a sport environment (other than tournaments) may continue

  • Pool-based fitness activities are allowed to continue, including aqua fit, lane swim, and other group classes. Proof of vaccination for adults is now required for access to swimming pools

 
Recreation:

  • Adult indoor and mixed-age sport and recreation programs (including pool-based) are at 50% of capacity/occupancy of the space

Children and youth (under 22 year old) programs can remain at 100% capacity/occupancy"

Once we have any new updates from viaSport, we will send out new information to you all.

Want more information, you can refer to the following links:
Province's News Release
Provincial Gatherings and Events Order
Provincial and Regional Restrictions

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