Changes to COVID-19 Isolation

Dear parents and caregivers,

 

We wish to inform you of a recent government announcement which brings changes to isolation periods related to COVID-19.

Effective Fri Jan 28, residents who receive a positive test result on a PCR or rapid antigen test will be required to self-isolate for five days, regardless of vaccination status. You are required to self-isolate for five days from the date of test or 24 hours after fever has resolved without the aid of fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms have been improving for at least 48 hours, whichever is later.  Previously, unvaccinated residents who had tested positive were required to self-isolate for 10 days. Those who test positive are required to self-isolate and will be absent from school and activities for the duration of the self-isolation period.

Close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases will no longer be required to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status. If you are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should self-monitor for symptoms and continue to use publicly-available rapid antigen tests for asymptomatic surveillance.

If you are currently self-isolating for 10 days because you are an unvaccinated confirmed case or a close contact of a case, you may be able to amend your self-isolation period as of noon, Fri Jan 28, in accordance with this policy if asymptomatic.  If you are symptomatic, you must continue to self-isolate until your symptoms resolve.

All residents should be self-monitoring, self-testing and self-managing to help prevent transmission, given the transmissibility of the Omicron variant.

If you are experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, including cough, sore throat, sneezing without fever, it is recommended that you stay home and care for your symptoms, use rapid antigen testing and self-isolate based on a positive result.

If you are experiencing significant or worsening cold or flu-like symptoms including fever or are considered at-risk due to chronic/underlying health conditions, contact HealthLine 811 who will advise if you should receive a PCR test or if you are a candidate for available treatments. PCR testing remains available to healthcare workers and eligible at-risk groups.

 

Under the current public health orders, masking is mandatory in all indoor public spaces including schools; mandatory self-isolation is required for all confirmed cases; and proof of vaccination or negative test requirements are in place for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues.  Municipalities, businesses, workplaces and event organizers may also require proof of vaccination or negative testing beyond those places that are described in the public health order.

 

When a positive case is identified using a rapid antigen test, and the individual attended a soccer game or practice within 48 hours of testing positive, parents/caregivers are asked to notify their TEAM COACH as well as the SYSI OFFICE immediately by filling in the online form at http://www.saskatoonyouthsoccer.ca/form/5210. By doing so, SYSI can help notify teams of possible exposures and to self-monitor.

All participants self-monitor for symptoms, stay home if sick and seek a COVID-19 test. The Know Your Risk checklist can help you with that personal assessment. People who are fully vaccinated are no longer considered a close contact.

All persons entering the facilities are to practice good hand hygiene before and after soccer activities and/or spectating. Wash your hands often or utilize hand sanitizer and exercise good cough and sneeze etiquette.

Sanitizer stations are available throughout the facilities. Everyone is encouraged to also bring their own for personal use.

All SYSI Team Personnel including head coaches, assistant coaches, junior coaches, trainers, instructors, technical directors, gender reps, managers, and so on, in all U5 to U19 age groups are mandated by SYSI to provide proof of full vaccination prior to participate by October 12, 2021 (no negative test option).

Players age 18 or older playing within the SYSI League are mandated by SYSI to be fully vaccinated to participate by October 12, 2021 (no negative test option).

All SYSI staff and directors and our member Zone staff and directors to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test to participate in any in-person activity, organized and under the authority of the SYSI or our member Zones, including but not limited to camps, clinics, games, practices, try-out events, evaluations, promotional events, tournaments, competitions, and championships, in-person education sessions and meetings; effective November 15, 2021.

Fully vaccinated participants are not considered close contacts and do not need to self-isolate unless they experience symptoms.

We strongly encourage all eligible players, referees, volunteers, parents, and spectators to be fully vaccinated as a show of care and concern for others.

All persons are required to wear a mask within the soccer facilities at all times for the exception of players or referees while actively participating on the field of play.

Players or referees may only remove their mask while actively participating on the field of play and must wear a mask at all other times within the soccer centres including but not limited to field sidelines, benches, dressing rooms, hallways, etc.

Team personnel within SYSI leagues will be required to wear a mask at all times within the soccer centre including but not limited to on-field.

Teams will be encouraged to social distance on the sidelines and during breaks in play, are not to shake hands or give high-fives, and are not to share water bottles.

Physical distancing is encouraged within all areas of the facilities including, but not limited to, seating areas, main foyer, and mezzanine levels.

Mask mandate to be adhered to by all entering facilities.

A vaccine mandate for spectators aged 18+ requires that all spectators age 18+ are to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative test along with a piece of government issued photo ID in order to access the  Saskatoon Sports Centre and Saskatoon Kinsmen Henk Ruys Soccer Centre, effective Friday October 22, 2021.

Additional cleaning will occur in public and high traffic areas, washrooms, and mezzanine areas.

Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. (SSCI) is committed to providing a healthy sports environment. Our indoor facilities are equipped with mechanical ventilation systems designed to provide fresh air throughout the buildings.

Sanitizer stations are available throughout the facilities. Everyone is encouraged to also bring their own for personal use.

Dressing Rooms - Designated dressing rooms and showers are available no more than 30 minutes before game time. Absolutely no changing on the fields or in public areas. Please vacate dressing rooms post game within 20 minutes, or at the request of the SSCI Service Team.

If you would like rapid antigen test kits for your family, please contact your school or city public library. As always, this process is subject to change if provincial processes and/or Public Health Orders change.

 

We will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 in our city, as well as the available options pertaining to your safety. The SYSI office remains closed to the public. We remain committed to our members and will continue to be available by phone and by email. We appreciate your understanding during this challenging period. Any questions can be directed to the SYSI at 306-975-3413 or email info@saskatoonyouthsoccer.ca. Alternatively,  you may contact your Zone or Community Association.

 

Sincerely,

Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc.