The safety and welfare of players, their entourage, spectators and our tournament event staff is Tennis Canada’s top priority. Tennis Canada is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and remains in daily contact with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the different tennis organizations within which we operate on this matter. We are proceeding with our events as planned, but we will be prepared to make any changes if deemed necessary. While we recognize the Public Health Agency of Canada’s current assessment that the risk of COVID-19 continues to be low in Canada, Tennis Canada has implemented additional measures to our existing health and safety protocols for our various upcoming events.
The following special measures will be implemented at each tournament site:
- No handshake at any time, including with opponents and chair umpires.
- Each player is responsible for their own towel.
- We will provide hand sanitizer at all events.
- We will augment cleaning to frequently sterilize any common areas on-site.
- We will have a doctor on call at each event (please ask the Tournament Director for contact information)
- There will be increased communication with players, their entourage, spectators and tournament staff on appropriate health and safety measures.
We strongly recommend that everyone take the following precautions for public health practices in order to protect yourself and others from the spread of germs, including*:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage;
- If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your arm or sleeve;
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading an illness to others;
- If you are not feeling well before traveling or playing the event, do not attend.
Anyone who experiences flu like symptoms must seek medical assistance and advise the Tournament Director.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Pneumonia in both lungs
We will continue to closely monitor the situation daily and communicate any changes to all stakeholders.
For more information, please contact Ilan Yampolsky, Director, Safesport and Integrity at iyampolsky@tenniscanada.com.
Thank you for your support of upcoming Tennis Canada events and for respecting public health and safety practices.
* Individuals with a weakened immune system, underlying health conditions or aged 60 and over should take these precautions very seriously.