Recreation impacted by COVID-19

By Varad Mehta

Safety of players is paramount, said a local soccer club.

F.C. Emery felt the impact of the COVID-19 concerns after Ontario Soccer cancelled all sanctioned soccer events and activities in the province until further notice.

Angel Granja, an official with F.C. Emery, said they anticipated the cancellation but were shocked when it was announced.

“Because as a small club it affects us a lot,” said Granja. “At the end of the day, we have to be looking at the safety of the kids and the parents.”

The club will introduce new measures for the safety and health of the players.

Alongside sports, local facilities are also impacted. On March 13th, based on the recommendations of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, the City of Toronto announced the closures of facilities and the cancellations of programs to slow the rate of COVID-19.

The following have been affected: City-operated March Break camps, licensed child care centres, community and recreation centres, greenhouses and conservatories, arenas, pools, fitness centres, ski hills, libraries, city-operated galleries and museums.

For updates and information follow: Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario’s Ministry of Health, & Toronto Public Health.