March 13/20 13:45 pm - Cycling Canada Responds to COVID-19 Situation

Posted by Editoress on 03/13/20
 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a novel and rapidly changing situation. Cycling Canada has been monitoring what national and global health agencies are recommending, the best practices being adopted by other Canadian sport organizations and businesses, and travel restrictions that are being put into place around the world.
 
Our current travel recommendations for Cycling Canada athletes, officials, coaches and staff are below. “Essential” events are ones that have a direct impact on Olympic or Paralympic qualification and preparation; travel to those should be restricted to targeted athletes and key staff, and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please note that these recommendations may change as the situation evolves.

• Avoid all non-essential travel by mass transit (bus, train or plane); travel by car if possible.
• Avoid attending non-essential events, particularly indoor events attended by large numbers of people.
• Avoid travel to affected areas (see the WHO and Health Canada websites for the latest information).
• Travel to essential events will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be authorized by Cycling Canada senior management.
• Cycling Canada will attempt to accommodate those who are unable to travel or do not wish to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Besides the potential health risk, there is a risk of imposed quarantine while abroad or upon return to Canada – this should be addressed in contingency plans.

Status of Domestic Events
 
In order to support the efforts from public health authorities to minimize the transmission of the virus, Cycling Canada is recommending that all cycling events on the Cycling Canada calendar between March 15th and May 1st be postponed or cancelled. This includes the postponement of the 2020 Canadian Youth & Para Track Cycling Championships originally scheduled for April 3-5 in Milton, Ontario.
 
Calendar link: www.cyclingcanada.ca
 
As this is a rapidly evolving situation, Cycling Canada will reassess the situation on April 3rd for events that are scheduled between May 2nd and June 14th. Due to the wide range of events and jurisdictions, we are recommending that our provincial and territorial associations implement a similar process. We believe this is in the best interest of the cycling community and public health at large. Event organizers should consult with their local government and health agencies to determine the risk associated with their event.
 
Cycling Canada will continue to publish updates as they become available. We are committed to ensuring that our members have access to the most current information.
 
Organizers who are concerned that their event will be impacted should contact their provincial and territorial associations, all of whom are prepared to assist with the postponement or cancelation process.

We will work diligently and collaboratively with our organizers and provincial organisations to reschedule as many of our planned events as possible.

Press release