Sports teams should avoid carpooling, sharing equipment, Dr. Wang says

After multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 in Ottawa were linked to organized sports teams this week, health officials in Waterloo region are reaching out to sport organizations to make sure they're aware of possible risks.

Anyone who plays team sports should continue to follow public health guidelines, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said at a media briefing Friday. That means limiting close contact to household members and practicing physical distancing and wearing a mask around everyone else.

Wang, the region's acting medical officer of health, also provided some specific advice that players and organizers should follow.   

She said anyone involved in sports should:

• Limit social gatherings before and after the activity. She said spread of COVID-19 among players has often been linked to these settings.
• Avoid carpooling with players outside your household. If carpooling with other players is necessary, limit the number of people in a car, open the windows and wear a mask.
• Do not share equipment or gear.
• Participate in only one team.
• Play outside whenever possible.

Wang said since the second wave of the pandemic began, health officials have noted that people are getting more relaxed about health precautions, especially in settings where people are more familiar with each other, such as workplaces and sports teams.

 "I do think it's human nature for us to want to socialize and enjoy socializing," said Wang, who said officials want to limit restrictions and allow people to socialize, work and play sports safely.

"But in order for us to do that and not be in a situation where we have to put in additional restrictions, we have to limit the types of things they can do even further, everyone needs to continue to follow those general principles."

There is also a current outbreak in the region that's been linked to an indoor social event at a place of worship. Wang noted that this event also speaks to the importance of maintaining caution, even around people with whom you are close.

9 new cases

Public health reported nine new cases of COVID-19 in the region on Friday. There are 93 active cases with eight people listed as being in hospital. Of the 2,043 cases since March, 90 per cent are considered resolved. There have been 120 COVID-related deaths since March, although no one has died since Aug. 21.

There are nine outbreaks ongoing, including:

• Five at long-term care and retirement homes.
• One at a congregate setting involving four cases.
• One at a before and after child care setting within the Waterloo Region District School Board with one case.
• One at a place of worship where an event was held. This is linked to 13 cases, although not everyone in this outbreak lives in Waterloo region.
• One is at Wilfrid Laurier University. The outbreak includes 19 cases and is linked to an off-campus study group.