Important Advisory on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

SPORT MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE:

Canada's Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) consists of medical experts from sport in Canada and is comprised of members of Own The Podium, the Candaian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the COPSI Network (Canadian Sport Institutes & Centres).

At this point there are over 121,000 cases worldwide, 4,373 deaths and over 65,000 recovered.

Some European countries and the US have had increased new cases in the last week. The US presently does not have any restrictions. There is a link below to the latest numbers and locations in the US of cases. Many competition and training opportunities are to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

​Cancellation of events are multi factorial and not necessarily related to COVID-19 medical precautions. The WHO will be publishing recommendations for mass events shortly and we will update as this is released.

WHO, IOC and IPC are all emphasizing that the games are still on schedule and they are working with IFs on any affected qualification routes and impacted test events.

In Canada the numbers remain small at 93 cases and one death. The risk level remains low and no specific measures for travel, participation in sporting events or training are in place. While a COVID-19 outbreak is not unexpected in Canada, our public health system is prepared to respond. PHAC, along with provincial, territorial and community partners, continues to reassess the public health risk, based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.

Recommendations:

We are reminding everyone to assist in preventing the spread of germs by following the steps below.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (>70%) if soap and water are not available.

• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you sneeze or cough.

• Dispose of used tissues in a sanitary manner and wash your hands afterwards.

• Do not share water bottles.

• Stay home if you feel unwell.