Happy Monday!
Based on the newly published regulations for Stage 2 Reopening (263/20), Stage 1 Reopening (82/20), as well as in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, Dr. Doug Richard in a recent webinar on Regulation 82/20, the OFA has made the following amendments:
Under Regulation 82/20, Schedule 3, Section 6-8 (Stage 1, Windsor-Essex regions), and Regulation 263/20, Schedule 2, Sections 13-14 (Stage 2, all other regions):
Reg 263/20, Schedule 2,13.6.2:
Any person who enters or uses the facility must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from any other person who is using the facility.
Reg 263/20, Schedule 2, 13.6.4:
Activities that are likely to result in individuals coming within two metres of each other must not be practised or played within the facility.
This means that all combat activities must not be conducted until this regulation has been updated to expand or remove the two-meter physical distancing requirement. Non-combat private lessons are still permitted.
We realize that this is difficult news for clubs who have been looking forward to moving to phase 2 with private combat lessons. Please note that this is provincial regulation. The OFA is mandated to facilitate return to fencing within the health and safety regulations set out by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
These updates are not to impede any of the member’s training, progress, craft, sport, growth, or business – we are receiving regular clarifications and developments, and are passing them onto clubs and membership as quickly as we can. We assure you that all of our efforts are focused on helping members! Unfortunately, these are the tough circumstances that all communities have to endure. But endure, we will!
With that in mind, we have updated the COVID-19 Return to Play Page, Protocol, and Phases ( PDF; JPG)to accommodate for this change (highlighted in yellow):
- Increase class frequency in all phases
- Combine Phases 4 & 5
- Reduce the duration of phases 2-4 to expedite return to combat for all.
For clubs who restart activities after the physical distancing restrictions have been lifted, the OFA still recommends a two-week minimum period in Phase 1 to both allow members to become familiar with the new training structure, as well as to allow for the initial incubation period.
Clubs wishing to conduct summer camps should also follow the COVID-19 Guidance: Summer Camps document published by Public Health Ontario.
Stay safe and healthy!
