News Release from the Government of Ontario
Dear badminton community,
Given the encouraging improvements in key public health indicators, our government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will move the province into Step Three of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16.
Step Three of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place. This includes, but is not limited to:
Facility Capacity: Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities to open subject to a maximum 50 per cent capacity of the indoor space. Total number of attendees must be limited to 50 per cent of the capacity of the facility determined by the maximum occupant load as permitted by the fire code (O. Reg. 213/07). There must be a sign displaying capacity limit posted in a conspicuous location.
Screening: The facility must actively screen individuals who enter the facility on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. The facility must also post signs at all entrances in a conspicuous location informing individuals on how to self-screen before entering the facility.
Contact Information: The facility must record the name and contact information of everyone who enters the facility and maintain these records for at least one month. Records must only be disclosed to specified individuals as outlined in O. Reg. 364/20.
Permitted Activities: Singles, doubles, mixed doubles badminton play; plus coaching clinics.
Physical Distancing: All individuals must remain a physical distance of at least 2 meters; exceptions for a person’s caregiver or from the person’s household. When on court, there are no restrictions for contact, however, all individuals should make every effort to prevent contact.
Mask Requirement: Face masks are required at all times while inside the facility (subject to particular exceptions as set our in the regulations, including temporary permitted removal to consume food or drink). Individuals may remove their face mask when engaging in athletic or fitness activity. Coaches must continue to wear a face mask while on court.
Spectators: Capacity for indoor spectators is limited to 50 per cent of the usual indoor seating capacity if there is a designated area for indoor spectators; otherwise, limited to the number that can maintain two metre physical distancing from every other person in the indoor area of the facility (and in any event may not exceed 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less)
Equipment: Any equipment that is rented or loaned out must be cleaned and disinfected as frequently as necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.
Amenities: Facility amenities (washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms, showers, and similar amenities) are permitted to be open. The facility must ensure that they are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.
Safety Plans: The facility must have a safety plan that outlines the measures and procedures to reduce transmission risk of COVID-19, including without limitation screening, physical distancing, mask requirements, cleaning and disinfecting, PPE requirements, preventing gathering and crowds, etc. The safety plan must be posted in a conspicuous location.
General: The following general recommendations remain in place:
- Doors and door handles should be sanitized frequently, and every court should be fully cleaned at least once per day (including floors, nets, net posts, surrounding benches, and chairs).
- Players and coaches should sanitize their hands each time before entering, and after leaving, the court. Players and coaches should avoid touching, nets, floors, and other court surfaces. It is also recommended that players and coaches not touch their faces while on the court.
More detailed information is available through the government’s news release and link to regulations are available below.
- Roadmap to Reopening: News Release
- Roadmap to Reopening: Regulations (O. Reg. 364/20)
Badminton Ontario also reminds all member clubs and registered individuals, that all activities must adhere to Federal and Provincial (Ontario) legislation, as well as any municipal bylaws and facility rules in place related to COVID-19 physical distancing and public or private gatherings. Failure to abide by these federal, provincial, or municipal requirements may result in legal prosecution by government as well as denial of insurance coverage and possible disciplinary measures by Badminton Ontario.
Badminton Ontario will continue to provide updates as part of our commitment to a safe return to sport for all.
Respectfully,
Joe Morissette Jean Wong
Executive Director Technical Director
Badminton Canada Badminton Ontario
