Continuation of Masking and Screening

Hi OCMHA families,

We hope everyone is enjoying a restful March Break. In light of the upcoming removal of most provincial mask mandates on March 21, we wanted to inform our community that OCMHA will continue to maintain existing masking and screening rules for participants for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season, including Spring 4on4. 

The OCMHA has reviewed its approach to COVID-19 health and safety measures and, as we have done throughout the pandemic, we looked to guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health to help us determine our course of action. While OPH has not yet issued specific updated guidance for indoor sports, it continues to recommend masking as a health and safety measure where risks warrant.  OPH also reiterated the three heightened risk factors for transmission of the virus - crowded areas, close contact and confined spaces with limited ventilation.   

Hockey dressing rooms and benches involve a combination of all three heightened risk factors. Further, our community has varying degrees of comfort and levels of vulnerability to COVID-19 risks.  This is why the OCMHA has decided to maintain existing masking rules for participants. This means that all participants are expected to continue wearing masks in dressing room areas, and that coaches and bench staff will wear masks on the ice, on the bench and at all times when interacting with players. Finally, players and volunteers will continue to be required to complete the COVID-19 screening form before each icetime and follow public health guidance, including staying home if they have symptoms.

Expectations of non-participating parents and spectators will depend on the rules of the facility where we are playing. Some, such as Carleton, will continue to mandate masks in all areas of the facility. Regardless of the rules, we encourage everyone to continue to mask for the rest of the season to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our community. 

As always, we thank you for your collaboration and we will continue to keep an eye on this evolving situation.