Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC)

Viral Infection Guidelines including COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic remains present, continues to evolve, and is likely that a resurgence of COVID-19, Influenza and other viruses will occur. In addition, it is well documented that even without COVID-19, high-performance athletes are at higher risk of respiratory infections, a major cause of preventable lost training and competition days. To minimize the incidence and impact of these viral infections,SMAC strongly recommends continued implementation of infection control and prevention measures as follows:

• Frequent hand washing
• Screening daily for signs of illness and staying home when sick
• Maintaining up to date immunizations including COVID-19 boosters and the seasonal Influenza vaccination (Flu shot) when available
• Wearing a mask (N95, KN95 or equivalent) when exposed to crowded indoor public settings and for anyone at higher risk of severe infection.
• Respecting social distancing of 2 meters when possible

Viral infection or COVID-19 Positive Cases:

Athletes or staff who are symptomatic for a viral infection (Cold- Flu- Gastroenteritis) or test positive for COVID-19 should follow the recommendations below:

• Self-isolation until symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, runny nose, cough, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea have resolved for a minimum of 24 hrs and other symptoms are improving.
• Mask wearing post return up to 10 days since the beginning of viral infection is strongly recommended for indoor activities if unable to maintain a social distancing of 2 meters.
• Post-infection testing for COVID-19 is not mandatory to access your daily training environment if not required by your sport.
• Consult your team doctor if symptoms last more than 5 days.

Return to Sport (RTS) post-infection: 

Follow up with your team physician for your return to training protocol. 

For post-COVID-19 RTS, see the Canadian guidelines that outline the current recommendations in this article.

Moulson, N., Connelly, K. A., Dorian, P., Fournier, A., Goodman, J. M., Grubic, N., Isserow, S., Johri, A. M., Philippon, F., Pipe, A., Poirier, P., Quinn, R., Taylor, T., Thornton, J., Wilkinson, M., & McKinney, J. (2022). COVID-19, Inflammatory Heart Disease, and Vaccination in the Athlete and Highly Active Person: An Update and Further Considerations. Canadian Journal of Cardiology.  

Close Contact (with a confirmed positive case): 

Continued entry to training camp or daily training environment for asymptomatic close contacts is allowed however for 10 days after the last exposure you should take the following precautions: 

• Mask wearing at all times at indoor training venues or other high-risk situations (i.e., therapy) for 10 days 
• Closely monitoring your symptoms 

NOTE: If someone in the Close Contact protocol develops symptoms, they should follow the Viral Infection or COVID-19 Positive Case protocol listed above. 

The above policy guidelines do not supersede Federal, Provincial, Territorial, and/or Regional Public Health Guidelines that require higher level of restrictions.