Roadmap to Reopening - Step 3 Regulations

Clubs,
 
On Friday, July 9, 2021, the provincial government announced that Ontario will be able to move to Step 3 in the Reopening Plan effective Friday, July 16, 2021, at 12:01 am.  Full details on the Regulation 520/21 rules for Step 3 can be found here.  Specific details on facilities for outdoor sports can be found in Schedule 2, Section 16.  Details on Camps for children can be found in Schedule 2, Section 19.
 
Key highlights in the new Regulation that impact Clubs include:

• The capacity limit for outdoor settings is 75 per cent capacity, or 5000 persons, whichever is less.  This number is determined by taking the total square metres of area accessible to the public, divided by 1.33, then rounding the result down to the nearest whole number.
• The capacity limit for indoor facilities is 50 per cent of maximum occupancy of the facility (based on Fire Code) or 1000 persons, whichever is less.  Physical distancing of at least 2 metres must be maintained.  Note exceptions under the Ontario camp guidelines.
• All crew boats during training and competitions are permitted, including war canoe and dragon boat.
• Face covering is not required for participants outdoors while maintaining 2 metres of physical distancing, nor when engaged in an athletic or fitness activity.
• Face covering and eye protection is required for staff who come within 2 metres of physical distancing of participants. 
• Face covering is required for indoor settings. 
• Day camps continue to be able to operate according to the Ontario camp guidelines published by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. 
• A safety plan is required for all training and competition sites, including:
  • Information on how you will prevent crowds and gatherings.
  • How you will mitigate risk associated with any interactive activities you will be undertaking:
    • Flow of participants to and from activities
    • Screening process
    • Face covering requirements
    • Plan for cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects
  • Note: you are not required to submit your safety plan to the Ministry. However, the plan must be in writing and available for review on request. 
• Participant screening and contact tracing is required, including:
  • Daily screening of all participants before entering a business or public place.  The Ontario government has developed a screening tool for you to use. 
  • Clubs must record the name and contact information of participants and maintain the records for a period of at least one month.
• Clubs/competition sites are required to post signs at all entrances to the premises that informs participants on:
  • How to prevent the spread of COVID-19
  • Screening process
  • Face and eye-covering requirements
  • Maximum capacity limit for the site (see bullet 1 & 2)
  • Copy of the site’s safety plan