SPORT MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE:
The COVID-19 pandemic remains present and continues to evolve, but is now considered endemic. It remains important to maintain infection control measures as it is likely that a new wave of COVID-19 infections will be present this fall, along with a resurgence of Influenza and other viruses. In addition, it is well documented that even without COVID-19, high-performance athletes are at higher risk of respiratory infections, a major cause of preventable lost training and competition days. To minimize the incidence and impact of these infections, including COVID-19, SMAC strongly recommends continued implementation of infection control and prevention measures as follows:
- Frequent hand washing
- Staying home when sick
- Maintaining up to date immunizations including COVID-19 boosters and the seasonal Influenza vaccination (Flu shot) when available
- Wearing a mask (N95, KN95 or equivalent) when exposed to high-risk crowded indoor settings, medical/therapy consultation and travel by plane
- Respecting social distancing of 2 meters when possible
COVID-19 Positive Cases:
Athletes or staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow these recommendations
- Self-isolation for a minimum of 5 days and until symptoms such as fever, myalgia, pharyngitis or GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea) have resolved for a minimum of 24 hrs and other symptoms are improving.
- Mask wearing for another 5 days post return is strongly recommended for indoor activities if unable to maintain a social distancing of 2 meters
- Continue to wear a mask if minor respiratory symptoms persist such as a post-viral cough.
- Post-infection testing is not mandatory to access your DTE if not required by your sport.
- Consult your team doctor if symptoms last more than 5 days.
Return to Sport post-infection
Follow up with your team physician for your return to training protocol.
Return to DTE- COVID-19 Testing (Rapid Antigen):
If symptom-free, RAg testing is no longer recommended to enter the DTE or following travel.
If symptomatic, RAg testing is recommended, if available, with negative results for at least 3 consecutive days and being symptom free for 24 hrs before entering the DTE.
- If RAg test is not available, no access to DTE for 5 days and wear a mask until symptoms resolve.
- Consult your team doctor if symptoms last more than 5 days
This also pertains to athletes entering camp or attending in-person meetings.
Close Contact (with a confirmed positive case)
Continued entry to training camp or DTE for asymptomatic close contacts is allowed if fully vaccinated (3 doses) or having tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days with the following recommendations:
- Mask wearing at all times at indoor training venues or other high risk situations (ie therapy) for 5 days
- Closely monitoring your symptoms
If mask wearing is not possible for training (e.g., combat sport)
- No access to DTE for 5 days
NOTE: If someone in the Close Contact protocol develops symptoms, they should be considered a presumed COVID positive case and follow the COVID positive protocol for self-isolation mentioned above.
The above policy guidelines do not supersede Federal, Provincial, Territorial, and/or Regional Public Health Guidelines that require higher level of restrictions.
