Return to Play Update: Ontario Returns to Reopening Step 2

January 03, 2022

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Return to Play Update: Ontario Returns to Reopening Step 2

Januar 3rd, 2022

(WHITBY, ON) - Rugby Ontario has been closely following the recent announcements released by the Ontario Government in response to the increasing spread of the Omicron variant.  Today, January 3, 2022, the Ontario Government announced that the province will be temporarily moving to a modified Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen.

As of January 5, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. the following measures for Sport & Recreational Fitness Activities and Amenities be in place for at least 21 days (until January 27):

Sports and recreational fitness activities – Indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including gyms, sporting events and personal training must operate under the following conditions:

      · indoor closed with limited exceptions and conditions (such as athletes training for Olympics and Paralympics, select professional and elite amateur sport leagues who will operate via an approved framework from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and persons with disabilities for physical therapy)

     · outdoor open with spectators limited to 50 per cent capacity and other restrictions

     · proof of vaccination required for facilities with a usual capacity of 20,000 or more people

Recreational amenities – Recreational amenities must operate under the following conditions:

   · indoor recreational amenities closed

   · outdoor recreational amenities open

Please refer to the government legislation (O. Reg. 263/20 Rules for Areas in Step 2) for the complete list of measures and conditions that apply to certain businesses, organizations, places and individuals

***What does this mean for Rugby activity?***

   · Phase 3 of the Rugby Ontario Return to Play Plan will be in effect.

   · Indoor rugby activity is not permitted for a period of 21 days until January 27, 2022.  

   · This includes all practices, training and games, and other restrictions on indoor public/social gatherings.  

   · Outdoor rugby activity may resume with restrictions to spectator capacity and any other facility / venue measures in place. 

   · Only NON-CONTACT rugby activities will be permitted at outdoor facilities.

            · Per O. Reg. 263/20 Rules for Areas in Step 2: “Team sports or games that may result in personal contact must not be practised or played 

              at the facility unless the sport or game has been modified to avoid personal contact.”

            · Flag Rugby shall be permitted; however, Touch Rugby must not be practiced or played while in Step 2.

   · Participant screening, attendance tracking and proof of vaccination requirements remain in effect.  

   · Clubs must continue to maintain an up to date safety plan in accordance with these measures. 

   · Clubhouses at outdoor facilities must not be used except for the purposes outlined in the Regulation.  

   · All member clubs are encouraged to consult with their local public health units and facility permit offices to ensure compliance with all 

     restrictions and public health orders.

   · Requirements for Individuals, such as the use of face coverings and masks and physical distancing, apply as per O. Reg. 263/20.

Furthermore, the government recently announced that effective January 4, 2022, the use of the enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code and the Verify Ontario app will be required where proof of vaccination is required. Individuals can download their certificate by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/

Rugby Ontario will continue to assess the modified Step 2 orders and public health measures over the coming days and will provide an update of the Rugby Ontario Return to Play Plan in due course.  Should you have any questions in relation to these changes, please contact covid19manager@rugbyontario.com.

ABOUT RUGBY ONTARIO

Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to establish a stronger identity for rugby in Ontario by promoting the sport’s core values and by fostering a culture of inclusiveness and excellence on and off the field of play.

To learn more, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/



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