skip navigation

Ontario Government announces re-opening plan and easing of restrictions for outdoor recreational activities

By Ontario Volleyball, 05/20/21, 5:45PM EDT

Share

With the announcement from the Ontario government today, we have learned that the province is safely reopening outdoor recreational amenities prior to the end of Stay-at-Home Orders, which expire as of June 2, 2021.  Outdoor recreational amenities are reopening as of this Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m. with some restrictions.

As per the Ontario government press release: 

No outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted prior to Step One. Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households.” 

Additionally, physical distancing must be maintained at all times.

There are three “Steps” to re-open the province.  Ontario will remain in each of the steps for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health indicators. If at the end of the 21 days, the vaccination thresholds have been met, alongside positive trends of other key public health and health system indicators, then the province will move forward.  Here is an overview of how this affects sport across Ontario:

Subject Before Step One Step One Step Two Step Three
Sports and Recreational Fitness Facilities Closed for indoor use except for high-performance athletes, child care, mental health and addiction support services, social services, and physical therapy (subject to conditions).

Outdoor team sports - training only, 10 people maximum, 3 metre distance.

 

Closed for indoor use except for high-performance athletes, social services and physical therapy.

Outdoor Sports leagues open.

 

Training for professional  or amateur athletes and/or competitions.

Indoor open, with some restrictions.

 

Outdoor open, with some restrictions.

 

At this time, the OVA is waiting for the actual updated regulations (e-laws) so that staff can review the new re-opening framework with the government health and sport authorities to provide clear direction to membership on what is allowed.  The OVA will keep the membership updated with the most recent developments surrounding the OVA’s Return to Play Protocols when that information is available.

Please view the graph below which outlines how the OVA communicates Government of Ontario updates that impact our sport.

How do I stay connected to Ontario Volleyball?

For further information, please refer to the latest COVID-19 documents on the COVID-19 webpage, which has all the latest information from Ontario Volleyball, as well as resources for your club members. Please consider placing a dedicated link to the COVID-19 Updates on the homepage on your Club’s website.