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    • Mar 20, 2020
    • 4 min read

Latest Advisory on COVID-19 from the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee

Advisory on COVID-19

​19 March 2020


SPORT MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE:


As of March 19 the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is over 220,000 globally, with approximately 85,000 recovered and over 9,000 deaths. The largest surges in cases continue to be in Europe with Italy, France, Germany and Spain being hardest hit. There are 171 countries reporting cases. Of note significantly, there are NO new local cases reported in China.The WHO has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.


In Canada, the numbers are rising at an accelerated rate, with over 725 confirmed cases, with 9 deaths. The Public Health Agency of Canada still states that the overall risk of infection in Canada is low, but the entire nation needs to work together to “flatten the epidemic curve” through minimizing spread is key. All Canadians are requested to stay home and work from home, practice social distancing (2m distance) if at all possible.


The existing strong advice on the importance of hand and facial hygiene and “social distancing” still holds.


Updated Government of Canada Recommendations:

  • All non-essential travel outside Canada is to be avoided, the US border is closed to non-essential traffic.

  • All Canadians currently abroad are urged to return to Canada ASAP.

  • All travellers returning from any destination outside of Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of return (see the infographic below for specific information on what is involved in self-isolation).

  • As the possibility of coming in contact with someone with confirmed COVID 19 increases, we have included this link from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on self monitoring and isolation.

  • If you have symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat) when attempting to board a plane to return to Canada you will not be allowed on the flight.

  • Airlines are reducing capacity and flights (e.g. - Air Canada is operating at 50% of normal capacity), such that it may be difficult to return to Canada later.

  • As of 18 March, international arrivals by air (excluding USA, Caribbean, and Mexico) will only be through Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Vancouver.

  • There is enhanced screening and advice on self-isolation at all airports (see the infographic below).