Q: What is Hockey Nova Scotia doing to advocate for our members and the facilities that are significantly negatively impacted by these on-going restrictions?

A: Hockey Nova Scotia has been advocating on behalf of our members during our meetings and conversations with our colleagues at Public Health and the province regularly throughout the pandemic. We have relayed the impacts and challenges that the current restrictions are having on the sport on a regular basis.

While hockey was shut down in other parts of Atlantic Canada last month, the sport was allowed to continue. The premier’s comments on Jan. 26 are also further indication that we (and our partners in the sport sector) are being heard.

We are optimistic that the end of restrictions is nearing.

Q: My child turned 12 in December. Therefore, my child is over 12 and not fully vaccinated due to the time period required to wait between vaccines. If they are a close contact, how long do they need to isolate?

A: The latest information on close contacts can be found on the Public Health website. Please consult this website regularly for up-to-date
instructions: https://www.nshealth.ca/information-covid-19-close-contacts

Q: Will there be tournament play before the end of the season?

A: At this time, that remains unclear.

We hope that in the coming days, the province will release a phased re-opening plan like the one that was introduced last summer. This plan is expected to move along quicker than the 2021 re-opening plan.

Q: What’s the protocol for close contact notices for hockey exposures?
A: If a member of your team tests positive for COVID-19, that individual must follow

these steps laid out here by Public Health.

After a positive test, a team safety rep (or team manager) should be contacted to inform the team of the positive case. Those who have been in contact with the player (i.e.: exposed to COVID-19) would be considered close contacts. Public Health’s recommendations for close contacts can be found here and must be followed. The instructions can vary by age, vaccination status, and whether or not you have recently recovered from COVID-19.

Again, please familiarize yourself with this close contacts resource from Public Health.

Q: My child has already recovered from COVID-19 but there was an exposure at his last hockey practice. Does he still need to isolate with his other close contact teammates in their group of ten?

A: If you have no symptoms, you are not required to isolate.
If you have symptoms, please stay home until they have resolved.

Public Health does not recommend testing for individuals recovered within the past 90 days. If it has been more than 90 days since you recovered from COVID-19 and you have a new exposure, please follow above instructions for testing and isolation based on vaccination and symptom status.

Q: Are vaccines mandated for players under the age of 12?

A: No, proof of vaccination isn't required for children 11 and younger.
They can attend events and activities with a fully vaccinated adult or on their own.

Q: What are Public Health’s guidelines for positive cases and close contacts for hockey?

A: If a member of your team tests positive for COVID-19, that individual must follow the steps laid out here by Public Health.

After a positive test, a team safety rep (or team manager) should be contacted to inform the team of the positive case. Those who have been in contact with the player (i.e.: exposed to COVID-19) would be considered close contacts. Public Health’s recommendations for close contacts can be found here and must be followed. The instructions can vary by age, vaccination status, and whether or not you have recently recovered from COVID-19.

Again, please familiarize yourself with this close contacts resource from Public Health as well as this information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NGKX1pik7T-ERluXicdcvxaDVrYgYxgg/view

Q: What is the difference between school and sport? For example, if someone is a close contact at school, they do not need to isolate, but if they’re in close contact in a group of ten in sport, they need to isolate.

A: School is considered an essential activity while sport is not considered a non-essential activity.

Public Health’s recommendations for close contacts can be found here and must be followed.

Q: We have been asked to get tested regularly but tests aren’t easily accessible or available. What should we do?

A: Anyone seeking testing must first complete an online assessment to determine whether they need a test and which type. If testing is recommended, they must book an appointment. Testing for the purposes of returning to activity/play is not a valid reason to access a test.

For information on testing, please click here.

Rapid tests can be picked up at various pop-up locations across the province, which are set up as walk-ins and do not require the same pre-screening. Accessing rapid tests to supply to entire teams will not be possible.

A list of sites operating weekly can be found here: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus/covid- 19-rapid-testing

Q: Can we scrimmage?

A: Yes, teams can scrimmage amongst themselves within their own practice, but not against another team at this time. Games are not permitted at this time and officials cannot be on the ice.

Q: Can adult rec teams play?

A: Adult rec teams can scrimmage without officials.

Adult rec groups are limited to groups of 25 and these groups need to remain consistent while the restrictions are in effect.

Q: Are hockey camps permitted?

A: Yes, children can be involved in groups of 25 for camps but should strive to keep these groups consistent.

Q: We have players that were suspended prior to Christmas. Can they be considered served and return once play resumes?

A: No, a player must serve any suspension received in full.

Q: Are parents allowed in the dressing room to help get their kids ready at the lower levels?

A: Parents cannot go in dressing rooms.

However, depending on the facility, parents may be allowed to do this outside of the dressing room or in another common area (ex: the lobby) provided they remain physically distant.

Q: What is the difference between the Health Authority (nshealth.ca) and the Government's Response to COVID-19 (novascotia.ca)? Where should we go to get the best information?

A: Both sources provide important information. The government sets the overall policy and makes decisions. This information can be found at novascotia.ca. The Nova Scotia Health Authority is responsible for on-ground testing and delivery.