The following message has been shared by Hockey Canada regarding the Coronavirus, please read and implement the recommendations outlined below:
On January 25, 2020, the Government of Ontario reported the first case of 2019-nCoV (coronavirus) in Canada. Canada's chief public health officer is in ongoing contact with provincial and territorial chief medical officers of health to ensure any cases of 2019-nCoV occurring in Canada continue to be rapidly identified and managed in order to protect the health of Canadians.
Hockey Canada’s chief medical officer, Dr. Mark Aubry, is in contact with the IIHF Medical Committee.
The Public Health Agency of Canada currently assesses the public health risk associated with 2019-nCoV as low for Canada and for Canadian travellers. Public health risk is continually assessed as new information becomes available. Updates on nCoV can be found at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
The Hockey Canada Safety Program recommends the following protocol as it relates to the use of water bottles:
Good team hygiene includes ensuring all players and staff have their own water bottles to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria.
Bottles should be labelled and washed after each practice or game.
It is further recommended that officials avoid the practice of drinking from the goaltender’s water bottle. If officials require water during a game, we suggest they have their own water bottle at the penalty bench.
There should not be sharing of water bottles in the penalty box, as well as no sharing of towels.
Fist bump with hockey gloves on, instead of shaking hands.