Sports During the Pandemic

From: J Birch Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 4:18:24 AM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca <GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca>; news@skynews.com <news@skynews.com>; tips@GlobalTVBC.com <tips@GlobalTVBC.com>; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com <contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com>; Secretary@HHS.gov <Secretary@HHS.gov>; Sky.Today <Sky.Today@sky.uk>; media@gatesfoundation.org <media@gatesfoundation.org>; nytnews@nytimes.com <nytnews@nytimes.com>; david.penberthy@news.com.au <david.penberthy@news.com.au>; jedmiston@nationalpost.com <jedmiston@nationalpost.com>; dan@jpost.com <dan@jpost.com>; eurohealthycities@who.int <eurohealthycities@who.int> Subject: Sports During the Pandemic (Opinion)

Hey Everyone, I was reading a story about how some organizations are concerned about sporting events when our leaders have given us the direction to proceed. They are concerned with how to keep such events safe and I have a few ideas that might help. I was thinking that for all sports, masks should be worn by all participants, spectators, coaches and referees. Additionally, each player needs to be assigned equipment as shared equipment is a transmission vector we need to avoid. Additional seating needs to be provided to participants on the benches so they can sit farther apart and you should have them bring their own water bottles. I would also space out the stands appropriately to have enough space around each spectator, perhaps placing taped off areas for where everyone should sit. The parking spaces in view of the field can be used to view the game or foldable chairs can be provided at equidistant locations around the fields to ensure enough distance between families. Food can be brought and contained to the family bubble and you should limit huddles unless everyone is in a mask. Finally, you would want to disinfect all clothes and equipment after each game and eliminate car pooling unless its with the family units. I would also stop high fives and opt for a non contact form of support and encouragement and have people avoid public washrooms or have hand washing stations and hand sanitizer for every participant. These are a few ideas I had and wanted to share. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2