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Bowls Canada issues COVID-19 Statement

Ottawa, ON | March 11, 2020

Dear Bowls Canada Stakeholders,

Bowls Canada is closely monitoring all available information related to the continued spread of the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 (coronavirus), including the relevant positons from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Canada’s chief public health officer and the World Health Organization (WHO).  The health and safety of our athletes, coaches, officials, employees, volunteers, fans, partners and all associated with Bowls Canada is our priority.

Although there have been a number of sport event and conference cancellations, they are occurring mainly with those at the international level either in countries with high incident rates, or with significant.  As of March 11, 2020, PHAC has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly.  PHAC has identified that there is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians aged 65 and over, with compromised immune systems and/or with underlying medical conditions.

While the risk factor domestically here in Canada remains low, it is recognized that many of our members may be amongst the vulnerable population susceptible to complications from COVID-19 exposure. 

At this time, it is recommended that that the following precautions are taken for group gatherings including indoor tournaments, spring meetings and workshops:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently. (Advice on handwashing intensity is to pretend that you have just cut hot jalapeno peppers with your bare hands and now need to change your contact lenses).
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Make soap and/or hand sanitizer and disposable tissues easily accessible at gatherings.
• Avoid contact with sick people, including avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.
• Practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, wash hands).
• Avoid touching your face and mouth to reduce the chance of passing an infection to yourself.
• Monitor illness and avoid public gatherings if you are showing signs of infections disease or virus.
• Implement an elbow bump protocol to replace handshake and hugging greetings.

Bowls Canada will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19. Bowls Canada will also continue to monitor the situation closely with respect to World Bowls and the host nations with respect to our participation in the upcoming World Indoor Championships and World Bowls Championships. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada is continuously monitoring the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as new information becomes available. Updates on COVID-19 can be found at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

Additionally, information regarding risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/mass-gatherings-risk-assesment.html