January 15, 2021
Ontario Declares Second Provincewide State of Emergency
To all Ontario District and Badminton Clubs:
We are writing in response to the recently announced second provincial emergency as a result of high COVID-19 transmission rates. The government has also issued a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes. Effective January 14, 2021 at 12:01 am., Ontario will be entering a provincewide shutdown to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Across the entire province of Ontario, all badminton clubs and programs are required to halt all indoor activities with the following exceptions:
- High Performance athletes under the provision of O.Reg. 654/20 (amending 82/20) facilities for the sole use of persons who are athletes, coaches or officials training or competing to be a part of Team Canada at the next summer or winter Olympic Games or Paralympic Games, if the persons are, identified by a national sport organization that Is either funded by Sport Canada or recognized by the Canadian Olympic Committee or the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and permitted to train compete, coach or officiate under the safety protocols put in place by a national sports organization.
Ontario athletes identified by Badminton Canada who fit the above criteria are:
- Michelle Li
- Rachel Honderich
- Brittney Tam
- Nyl Yakura
- Joshua Hurburt-Yu
- Jason Ho-Shue
- Brian Yang
- B. R. Sankeerth
- Catherine Choi
- Duc Goi
- Justin Kendrick
2. Clubs are allowed to open to offer child care services and day camps operating only in strict compliance of the COVID-19 Response Framework (based on O. Reg 82/20). However, Clubs must note the following;
- Children are defined by the Ontario Child Care and Early Years Act as someone under the age of 13;
- Clubs should only offer a camp if they are able to strictly comply the Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines outlined in the document “COVID-19 Guidance: Summer Day Camps” (document circulated with the notice)
The information contained in this notice is intended to communicate a summary of information as announced by the Government of Ontario. Badminton Ontario and Badminton Canada are not responsible for the interpretation of any regional or provincial guidelines. Please note that all club operators must independently identify the regional health authority in which they are located to determine which health authority to contact for detailed guidance.
Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario also reminds all member clubs and registered individuals, that all activities must adhere to all Federal and Provincial 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 Canada and Badminton Ontario will continue to provide updates as part of our commitment to a safe return to play and training for all.
Respectfully,
Joe Morissette Jean Wong
Executive Director Technical Director
Badminton Canada Badminton Ontario
