Find all the latest news and resources regarding Canadian Sport Institute Pacific and COVID-19 below
October 23, 2023
CSI Pacific Infection Control Protocol
It is currently the time of the year when respiratory illnesses are spreading more widely in our communities, including influenza, RSV and COVID, and so CSI Pacific is sharing our current infection control protocol as a guiding tool to reduce the spread of illness in our facilities.
The cornerstone of infection control remains the following steps:
- Frequent handwashing
- Wearing a mask in higher risk situations: crowded indoor activities and any travel by public transport methods (planes, buses, ferries, trains)
- Staying up to date with your vaccinations, including the latest COVID and influenza vaccines
- Staying home when you are experiencing symptoms of illness
If You Have Symptoms
Anyone with upper respiratory symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms should stay at home. We ask that remain at home until your major symptoms have not been present for 72 hrs.
If you must return to work, you can return to the CSI Pacific facilities after either:
- Your major symptoms have been absent for 24 hours, if you wear a mask; or
- Until your symptoms have been absent or 72 hours (no mask required);
In other words: earlier return to work is possible if you are symptom-free for 24 hrs AND if you wear a mask for the following two days.
- Major symptoms – Respiratory Illnesses:
Fever, muscle aches, sore throat, new or worsening cough, new or worsening nasal congestion - Major symptoms – GI illnesses:
Fever, diarrhea, vomiting
Bottom line: if you feel sick or unwell, stay home until you are feeling better.
Testing
At this time we are no longer recommending that you test for COVID as there are many other illness circulating and the management of all these illnesses is now the same.
Illness reporting and close contacts
We do ask that CSI staff, athletes, and sport staff inform their discipline lead, coach or team manager when you are ill and share this information with the CSI Pacific Medical team. This will allow us to be aware of those in the different work disciplines and training groups that are experiencing illnesses and who may be at risk from a potential exposure. This will also help us take any other necessary precautions to limit further spread.
We ask that if you are a close contact with someone who has developed an illness that you monitor for similar symptoms and self isolate immediately if you start to develop any symptoms. Close contacts do not have to self isolate.
Recommendations for upcoming travel
Athletes and teams that are traveling for competition should consider limiting their risk of illness prior to travel that might impact their ability to travel as planned. The steps that should be considered to reduce your potential exposures in the week before the planned departure include:
- Masking more frequently when indoors
- Limiting exposure to others outside of your training group, especially in indoor settings
- Focus on good recovery from training (sleep, nutrition, recovery days) so that your immune system is functioning optimally when you travel
Recommendations during travel
Travel is a time of increased risk of developing an illness, due to the significant increase in the number of people that are in an indoor space in the airport or bus/ferry/train station and on the plane/bus/ferry/train. We strongly recommend that all travelers where a face mask during all phases of travel to reduce your risk of contracting an illness. It is important to remember that you should maintain good hydration and fueling when travelling. You can lower your mask to eat and drink and put it back on when you have finished.
Please see our latest COVID guidelines two-pager for the latest information regarding masks and access to our facilities.
April 19, 2023
Following recent BC public health announcements regarding removal of mask mandates in the health care workplaces, after careful review CSI Pacific will follow suit and remove mask mandates from all our locations, including the high performance gyms, AET Clinic and labs. All staff, as well as athletes, coaches and visitors, will still be welcome to wear a mask whenever they wish, however all enforcement of masks and related signage will be removed.
Staff will continue to work from home or use a sick day (when necessary). If they are experiencing a high fever or are sick with any acute symptoms, they will not return to the workplace until they are feeling better.
Please see our latest COVID guidelines two-pager for the latest information regarding masks and access to our facilities.
December 15, 2022
Currently in BC, influenza cases continue to rise, with cases among kids at all-time highs including 6 deaths among kids over the last few weeks. It is expected that influenza cases in adults will start climbing soon and that BC will experience a significant number of serious cases.
At this time we are urging all staff and athletes to be vaccinate for influenza. Island Health has organized multiple pharmacies to provide flu shots and you can register here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/immunizations/flu https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/immunizations/flu
CSI Pacific is also offering flu shot clinics, the next one is Monday December 19, 3-4pm and you can register by email medical@csipacific.ca. Drop ins are OK too.
While the most effective measure to protect against influenza and COVID-19 is vaccinations, other important preventive measures include:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Staying home if you’re feeling sick
- Coughing and sneezing into your elbow; using a tissue and not your hands
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding sharing food, drinks or personal items
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth throughout the day
- Wearing medical masks as an additional layer of protection
October 11, 2022
CSI Pacific will be following the latest recommendations from the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), released on October 4, 2022.
The majority of COVID protocols at CSI Pacific will remain the same.
However, there are some key changes, highlighted in bold. They are as follows:
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Athletes or staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow these recommendations:
- We will no longer have a vaccine mandate for athletes, coaches or visitors and will not be checking vaccination status at our facilities.
- Per the SMAC recommendations, testing after travel is no longer required, if symptom-free.
- Following a positive test, self-isolation for a minimum of 5 days and until symptoms such as fever, myalgia, pharyngitis or GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea) have resolved for a minimum of 24 hrs and other symptoms are improving (note: had been 48 hours previously)
SMAC Advisory
- View the full SMAC Update #32: Advisory on COVID-19 here
May 26, 2022
Based on recommendations provided by Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), CSI Pacific will be implementing the following guidelines, starting May 30. The key changes are in highlighted in bold:
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Athletes or staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow these recommendations:
- Self-isolation for a minimum of 5 days with at least 48 hrs of symptom resolution.
- After you have completed your period of self-isolation, post infection testing is NOT mandatory to access your DTE
- Mask wearing on your return to the DTE for days 5-10 days post infection is strongly recommended for indoor activities if unable to maintain a social distancing of 2 meters
- Post COVID-19 Return to Play protocols should be completed before returning to full training, as indicated by your physician.
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We continue to recommend testing after travel by plane or train. There are 2 recommended protocols to ‘Clear’ an asymptomatic athlete after which no further testing is required:
- Two self-administered RAg test (24 hours apart) upon arrival, or
- PCR test on Day 2 or 3
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For Close Contacts (with a confirmed positive case)
- Continued entry to training camp or DTE for asymptomatic close contact, fully vaccinated (3 doses) or having tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days is allowed based on:
- Negative daily RAg test for 5 consecutive days following last known close contact
- Mask wearing at all times at indoor training venues
- If mask wearing is not possible for training (e.g., combat sport)
- No access to DTE for 5 days and 2 consecutives negative RAg test on days 4&5 before returning to camp or DTE on day 5
April 7, 2022
In light of the most recent information we have regarding COVID-19 and due to the latest changes from the Province, these are the latest protocols regarding COVID-19 for CSI Pacific.
Masks:
- Masks must continue to be worn in all common areas by all staff and anybody not training or being tested in our gyms and lab spaces. Athletes who are in the process of training or being tested do not need to wear masks.
- Medical and therapy appointments require mask for both the therapist/physician and athlete.
- In shared office spaces, all people present may decide on their comfort level regarding masks.
Vaccines:
- All people entering and/or using our facilities must have at least two vaccine doses. Having a third dose is very highly recommended.
Staff Sign in:
- Staff will no longer need to sign in when entering our facilities
Per the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC)
New entries to a team training camp or return to a team daily training environment after travelling by public transportation
We continue to recommend testing be conducted with any travel by plane or train. There are 3 recommended protocols to ‘Clear’ an athlete after travel as requiring no further testing for COVID-19:
- Two self-administered RAg test (24 hours apart) prior to departure and daily for the first 3 days upon arrival, or
- Self-administered RAg test 24 hours prior to departure and daily for the first 2 days upon arrival plus PCR test on Day 3.
- If no testing is done as above, access to CSI is permitted 10 days after arrival from international and domestic travel.
Once one of the 3 protocols has been satisfied, no further testing is required.
NOTE: Anyone who develops symptoms after travel should be considered a presumed COVID positive case and follow the local public health or Sport Institute COVID positive protocol for self-isolation.
See the latest full advisory from the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee here: Update #31: Advisory on COVID-19
March 15, 2022
MASK UPDATE
The COVID Response Team at CSI Pacific had a meeting to discuss the recent changes to the B.C. Government’s Public Health Order regarding COVID-19.
Following our internal discussion, based on the guidelines at our three campuses and due to wanting to help ensure the health and safety of the athletes, coaches and staff, many of whom are traveling at this time (and therefore have increased risk of contracting the virus and/or not being able to travel due to testing positive), it has been determined that CSI Pacific will be maintaining mask mandates at all three of our campuses for the time being. This will be reviewed again at CSI Pacific’s COVID response meeting on April 6th.
Medical masks are mandatory in any open communal spaces. For offices, we ask that everyone’s decision on this matter, based on their comfort level and personal circumstances, is respected. Buffs and cloth masks are not allowed.
Athletes will not be required to wear masks while working out in the gym or being tested in CSI Pacific labs. CSI Pacific will continue to meet regularly on this matter and review our guidelines. As always, we are happy to receive feedback.
Thank you for your understanding.
February 22, 2022
TRAVEL UPDATE
This message is to provide advice to anyone, staff or athletes, traveling internationally (including to the US) at this time.
While the current COVID situation is improving, most countries still require proof of a negative COVID test prior to travel. Early in the pandemic we learned that after a COVID infection it is possible to continue to shed virus, and thus test positive, for many weeks and even months after your infection has resolved. So you may need an official record of your COVID infection in order to travel.
And at present in BC, the public health guidelines for COVID testing restricts testing only to certain groups (those in hospital, people at risk for severe illness, health care workers). Provincial public health officials have asked that everyone else with symptoms not be tested but consider themselves a presumed COVID positive and self-isolate for 5 days or until your symptoms resolve. That means that most may not be able to access PCR testing when they contract COVID and so may not have an official record of their infection.
The CSI Pacific Medical Team recommends that:
- all athletes and staff that have had a COVID infection recently (in the last 3 months) OR
- Those that develop new symptoms and are presumed to be COVID positive OR
- Those that test positive via a home rapid antigen test
AND
- are planning to travel internationally,
obtain a PCR test at a private clinic offering COVID testing as soon as possible in order to be able to confirm your COVID infection. In the case where you are a persistent shedder, this will allow you to receive a medical letter from your physician confirming the prior infection and clearing you for travel (as long as you are symptom free and considered non-infectious) even if you continue to test positive at the time of travel.
You should be able to access a COVID test at one of the private clinics offering COVID testing once you are symptom free. Please contact your physician or CSI Pacific’s Medical Team at medical@csipacific.ca if you have any questions.
Here is a list of private clinics currently offering COVID testing.
- 123 COVID Testing (Surrey, New Westminster)
- 24/7 Testing (Lower mainland, Nanaimo, Victoria)
- A + Travel Tests (Matters of Health Medical Clinic, Vancouver)
- Ace Travel Clinic (Vancouver)
- Airwolf Medical (Whistler)
- Blue Water Medical (Vancouver)
- Bon Voyage Medical (Coquitlam)
- Boundless Medical (Victoria)
- Burnside Family Medical Clinic (Victoria)
- Canadian Travel Clinics (Vancouver, Surrey)
- Care Point Medical Centre – Joyce (Vancouver)
- Choice Medical Clinic (Vancouver)
- Connectus Global – Laboratory Medicine (Victoria International Airport)
- Covid Tests Vancouver (Vancouver)
- COVID Travel Vancouver (Abbotsford, Burnaby, Cloverdale, Delta, Richmond, Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Victoria)
- CVM Medical Ltd (Richmond/YVR)
- Echo Health (Victoria, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Nanaimo)
- Elicare Lansdowne Medical Clinic (Richmond)
- FastTest (Vancouver, Victoria, Burnaby, Surrey)
- IME Clinic (Vancouver)
- Imperial Medical Clinic (Burnaby)
- Integrated Wellness Medical Centre (North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam)
- Iridia Medical (Vancouver)
- LifeLabs
- Live Well Medical Centre (Richmond)
- London Drugs (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey)
- Lower Mainland Family, Urgent and Primary Care Centres (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey)
- Loyal Medical Clinic (Vancouver)
- Midtown Medical Clinic (Richmond)
- Okanagan Testing Clinic (Princeton, Penticton, Kamloops)
- Onsite Immunization and Wellness (Mobile Service)
- Saanich Plaza Medical Clinic (Victoria)
- SD Medical (Victoria)
- Sina Medical & Aesthetics Clinic (Vancouver)
- Station Square Medical Clinic (Burnaby)
- Sky Medical Clinic (Vancouver)
- Travel Medicine & Vaccination Centre (Langley, Kelowna, Victoria)
- Travel Safe Immunization (Vancouver)
- Ultima Medical (Richmond)
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR, Richmond)
- Vaxi (Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley)
- Whitecap RSC Medical (Vancouver, Langford, Whistler and BC airports: YVR South, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Terrace and Prince George)
Click on the dates below to see more information about COVID-related updates from those specific dates:
Asymptomatic Testing Update: January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
COVID GUIDELINES UPDATE/REVIEW
Due to updates in the BC Government public health order and changes to our operations and protocols immediately prior to the Christmas Holiday break, we are sending out a reminder about the latest updates:
BC Gathering and Events order
CSI Pacific-identified athletes are exempt from current public health order meaning that they are able to train, travel and compete. However athletes must follow PSO and NSO COVID protocols, as well as CSI Pacific protocols where applicable.
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CSI Pacific Staff and Contractors: Working from home
Due to the ongoing COVID situation and rapidly increasing case numbers, CSI Pacific has encouraged our staff that they should not come into our facilities until further notice (until the end of January at the earliest) unless in-person service is required*
Only essential in-person services (*high performance gym, physiology testing, medical/paramedical appointments in which physical exam is required or manual therapy being delivered) should be coming into our facilities until further notice.
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Staff and Sport Partners Facility Access
Due to the rapidly increasing COVID numbers and the most recent provincial health modeling here in BC, CSI Pacific is restricting access to all our CSI Pacific campus locations to only the following groups at this time:
- Beijing 2022 Olympic or Paralympic-bound athletes (Whistler campus); or
- Current NSO LOU National Team programs** athletes as listed on schedule A of the LOU (Victoria campus)
**Active LOUs as of April 1, 2021 for fiscal year 2021-22; see attached document for further information [PDF]. This is also posted on the website here.
At this point, any athletes who do not fit into the above criteria will not have access to our facilities. This decision has been made as a mitigation strategy against COVID for athletes, coaches, NSO/PSO staff, as well as for CSI Pacific staff and contractors.
We expect this policy will continue at least until all Beijing-bound athletes have departed for the Beijing 2022 Olympics/Paralympics.
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COVID Testing
Facility Access: Rapid Antigen testing
We will be adding daily rapid antigen testing to our pre-screen for all staff and athletes using our facility. Please coordinate scheduling with the CSI Pacific service provider you are working with to allow for 20 minutes prior to your session to ensure there is enough time to have your rapid antigen test completed prior to accessing the facility.
In Victoria the location for the rapid antigen testing will be outside the High Performance gym at the door on the west (or ‘non-track side’) side of the building. Everyone should conduct their rapid antigen test at this point before entering the gym or building.
In Whistler all rapid antigen testing will be in the physio/supplement storage room just beside the High Performance gym.
Please contact medical@csipacific.ca if you have any questions.
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Post-travel/post-holiday testing
As per the SMAC Guidelines, CSI Pacific is requiring PCR testing for all staff and athletes who will be coming in to the facility following after any travel, domestic or international by bus, train or plane. There are 2 options:
- A PCR test can be on Day 3*** after your return from travel or 1-2 days prior to the first day you would like to access our facilities (as it takes 24-36 hours for this PCR test to be reported).
- Five consecutive days of rapid antigen testing.
- Those that choose to not have PCR testing can access CSI Pacific facilities upon return from their holidays after a 10 day period, with Day 0 being New Year’s Eve, on January 10th.***Day 0 being the day of your arrival
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For all PCR testing:
Please email medical@csipacific.ca
- Please note: for all sport partners, PCR tests cost $150. If PCR testing is provided by CSI Pacific, we will invoice the sport following testing,. Testing is required but does not need to be provided by CSI Pacific; the requirement is a proof of a negative PCR test from any PCR testing location.
For Rapid Antigen testing:
Please email (for Victoria: medical@csipacific.ca // for Whistler: smcginnis@csipacific.ca) to schedule your arrival time if are you needing to access the facility and remember to allocate 20 min for the test.
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Masks
CSI Pacific is now requiring all staff and Sport Partner athletes/staff to wear well-fitting medical masks. Medical masks will be available at the location of the Rapid Antigen testing. Medical masks and N95 masks can be re-used until visibly dirty but should be allowed to fully dry in between use. We are recommending that you have a supply of enough masks for 3-5 days allowing it 5 days to dry fully and for any infectious particles to die (which can take up to 72+ hrs). Masks should be stored in a paper or cloth bag until ready to be re-used. Don’t reuse a visibly soiled or damaged mask.
Positive Rapid Antigen test
If someone has a positive rapid antigen test as part of the pre-facility entry screening, they must not come in to the facility, immediately return home and contact the local public health authority for further testing instructions. Here are the contact numbers in BC:
- Victoria: 1 844-901-8442
- Vancouver and Whistler: online booking for most clinics: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3862560c5a41418e9d78f4f81688e9d0
- If you are not offered a PCR test, you can report your positive rapid antigen test here: https://reportcovidresults.bccdc.ca/
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Close Contact
Those who are determined to be a Close Contact of a confirmed or suspected positive COVID case must self isolate from our facilities. If you are fully vaccinated, you can be cleared to return to enter our facilities if you are Asymptomatic and either:
- Two negative rapid antigen tests on Day 5 (or 6) & Day 7 to allow a return to CSI on Day 7
- PCR testing on Day 5 to allow a return to CSI on Day 6
Please contact medical@csipacific.ca if you require a PCR test under these circumstances
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Self-Isolation
All CSI Pacific staff and Sport Partner athletes/coaches are required to self-isolate if:
- You test positive for COVID: Self-isolate for 7 days and have two negative rapid antigen tests prior to re-entry if fully vaccinated. If not fully vaccinated we ask that you not come to our facility for 10 days
- You are considered a close contact: see above Close Contact protocol
- You develop COVID symptoms but are not tested: Self-isolate for 10 days, as long as you are symptom free for 24 hours
- You develop COVID symptoms but test negative: Self-isolate until you are symptom free for 24 hours
More in depth provincial guidelines can be found here: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/self-isolation#How–long
These guidelines continue to be reviewed and updated, based on emerging information.
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Please contact medical@csipacific.ca if you have any questions.
Asymptomatic Testing Update: December 21, 2021
December 21, 2021
Due to the rapidly increasing COVID numbers and the most recent provincial health modeling, we have made the difficult decision to restrict facility access at all our CSI Pacific campuses to only the following groups at this time:
- Beijing 2022 Olympic or Paralympic-bound (Whistler campus); or
- National Team athletes (Victoria campus)
At this point, any athletes who do NOT fit into the above criteria will NOT have access to our facilities. This decision has been made as a mitigation strategy against COVID for athletes, coaches, NSO/PSO staff, as well as for CSI Pacific staff and contractors.
All athletes, coaches and staff who do fit the above criteria will need to have daily rapid antigen testing for every person for each day they access our facilities. These tests will be administered by CSI Pacific staff. Please contact medical@csipacific.ca for more info.
CSI Pacific’s current position is that this policy will continue at least until all Beijing-bound athletes have left for the Beijing 2022 Olympics/Paralympics.
We will be reviewing this decision in late January, based on public health policy, and will update you all as any changes to this policy occur.
Thank you for your understanding at this challenging time.
Asymptomatic Testing Update: December 10, 2021
December 10, 2021
SMAC Close Contact and Travel Update
COPSIN’s SMAC Close Contact and Travel Policy Guidelines have been updated and will be in effect on December 13, 2021.
- View SMAC Close Contact and Travel Policy Guidelines – December 10, 2021
Asymptomatic Testing Update: December 1, 2021
December 1, 2021
Asymptomatic Testing Update
CSI Pacific’s Asymptomatic Testing Process for our partner sports, athletes and staff has recently been updated.
- View CSI Pacific’s Asymptomatic Testing Process as of December 1, 2021 [PDF]
Asymptomatic Testing Update: November 24, 2021
November 24, 2021
Return to Sport Plan Update
CSI Pacific has now updated our Return to Sport plan as of November 24th, following our September 9th update, which is in line with the Government of BC’s guidelines and incorporating the new BC Vaccine Card.
It is critical to note that all people – staff, athletes, coaches and guests – must be vaccinated to enter any of our facilities, effective immediately, in line with the BC Government’s requirements. Proof of compliance via the BC Vaccine Card is mandatory.
For those who do not have the B.C. Vaccine Card, you may get it here: https://www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard
For those from outside B.C. wishing to access our facilities:
People from other Canadian provinces or territories must show:
- Provincially/territorially officially recognized vaccine record
- Valid government photo ID
- You should also update your vaccine record in BC with the instructions at this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html#out-of-province
International visitors must show:
- Proof of vaccination they used to enter Canada (like ArriveCAN)
- Passport
- You should also update your vaccine record in BC with the instructions at this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html#out-of-province
If an accommodation is required, please provide a letter from your personal physician confirming your exemption to medical@csipacific.ca.
Asymptomatic Testing Update: March 24-July 1, 2021
June 18, 2021
Return to Sport Plan Update
Following the BC Government’s new, phased approach to re-opening the province, we have now updated CSI Pacific’s Return to Sport plan to align with these phases (Updates on Page 2-4 of the following document):
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June 11, 2021
Vaccine Education Presentation
See the following presentation with the latest information regarding vaccines, vaccine choices and protection from COVID-19. This presentation was originally created for the CFL and was then adapted by the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC)
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April 12, 2021
Asymptomatic Testing Update
We have now added Rapid Anti-Gen testing to our services, alongside our existing service for PCR testing. Both tests are available for request. Rapid Anti-Gen results turnaround are reported within 30 minutes of sample collection.
- View CSI Pacific Asymptomatic Private Testing One-Page Overview [PDF] – No longer offered
- View CSI Pacific Asymptomatic Private Testing Template [XLSX] – No longer offered
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March 24, 2021
Press Release: Canadian Sport Institute Pacific teams up with Kontrol BioCloud to help protect Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls on the road to Tokyo
CSI Pacific is proud to announce we will be using Kontrol Technologies’ innovative BioCloud technology as a further line of defense to help protect athletes, coaches and staff training with us against COVID-19
- View View press release
Asymptomatic Testing Update: March 23, 2021
Asymptomatic Testing Update
A new one-page summary of our COVID-19 asymptomatic testing process, completed in partnership with LifeLabs, has been created for our NSO and PSO partners.
- View CSI Pacific Asymptomatic Private Testing One-Page Overview [PDF] – No longer offered
CEO Return To Sport Update: February 12, 2021
Message from CEO – Wendy Pattenden
With the recent announcement by the BC Public Health Officer to continue the current restrictions in BC indefinitely, CSI Pacific re-affirms our commitment to supporting our sport partners while adhering to the PHO orders and recommendations. Specifically, we would like to state that:
- CSI Pacific’s facilities remain open and operational at this time.
- CSI Pacific will continue to work with eligible sport organizations to identify high performance athletes that are exempt under the PHO for sport related activities that include training, travel and competition. All other elements of the PHO must be adhered to.
- CSI Pacific supports PHO recommendation that non-essential travel within our province and between provinces be avoided, we continue to request that sport organizations outside of BC refrain from organizing training camps in BC at this time and that the athletes and staff of BC based sports, identified as high performance programs affiliated with CSI Pacific, travel within BC only for essential training and competitions.
- CSI Pacific will continue to work with training groups already established in BC where an agreement exists between CSI Pacific-and sport organization, and that CSI Pacific COVID protocols are followed when:
- training in our facilities
- services are provided by CSI Pacific Staff
CEO Return To Sport Update: January 18, 2021
Notification to sport Partners regarding BC athlete exemptions (No Travel)
On January 7th, Bonnie Henry extended current health restrictions to February 5th. Clarification on the public health order can be found in a Jan 13th letter from viaSport, the organization who works with government to communicate public health orders in the province of B.C.
Based on this clarification, CSI Pacific is asking National Sport Organizations NOT TO TRAVEL into British Columbia during this restriction period for sport training.
Those National Sport Organizations with established training groups in B.C. with CSI Pacific identified athletes who have athletes and staff already training in British Columbia can continue to follow the provincial health order exemption. Accredited B.C Provincial Sport Organizations with CSI Pacific identified athletes have exemptions to continue sport in the province, but should be aware of guidelines below.
Athletes and staff who may be returning to their training group from outside of B.C must continue to follow OTP SMAC guidelines which state that:
- Inter-provincial travel:
Sport team members (athletes and staff), on return to a BC training environment from inter-provincial travel, require a 14-day self-isolation period prior to return to facilities and training groups. This can be shorted to a 5-7 day self-isolation period upon return, with a negative COVID-19 test performed on the fifth day (or later) after their return.Sport team members traveling within BC only (i.e. not leaving the province) do not need to self-isolate after their travel. - International travel:
Sport team members (athletes and staff), on return to a BC training environment from international travel must adhere to the current federal government mandated 14-day quarantine period. This cannot be shortened for any reason, unless an exemption is granted directly to the sport organization by the Government of Canada.
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No athlete or staff will be able to use CSI Pacific facilities unless the above guidelines are adhered to.
Questions related to CSI Pacific Athlete Nomination and or travel restrictions can be sent to nominations@csipacific.ca
CSI Pacific is able to facilitate asymptomatic testing to assist in returning to training. Please view our asymptomatic testing info on this page (Jan 5th update) for more information.
CEO Return To Sport Update: January 5, 2021: Asymptomatic Testing
Canadian Sport Institute Pacific Asymptomatic Private Testing Procedure
CSI Pacific in partnership with LifeLabs have entered into a contract to provide Asymptomatic Private Testing to our Sport partners and clients. The purpose of this document is to outline the procedures and requirements for Asymptomatic Private Testing executed through this contract with LifeLabs.
All requests for testing must come through a sport partner or organization. Individual athletes cannot request tests directly to CSI Pacific and must go through their sport or organization to make a formal request.
Eligible
The CSI Pacific Medical Clinic will provide asymptomatic COVID-19 testing1 to National Team2, Next-Gen or Provincial (BC) athletes3, coaches and other staff that are eligible for testing – if approved by your sport or organization – under the following scenarios:
- Asymptomatic test required in anticipation to entering a training camp bubble; or
- Asymptomatic test required prior to domestic4 or international travel5 for training or competition; or
- Asymptomatic test requested upon return to CSI Pacific training facility or offices from domestic travel
Non-Eligible
CSI Pacific will not provide COVID-19 testing to anyone under the following circumstances:
- Any individual who will be returning from international travel and is under a Government of Canada order for 14-day quarantine period
- Any individual that exhibits COVID-19 symptoms
- Any individual who has been in close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19
- Any individual that requests a test for personal reasons without coordinating with their Sport or organization
Downloads:
Find out more about eligibility, costs & more:
- CSI Asymptomatic Private Testing Procedure [PDF] – No longer offered
- CSI Asymptomatic Private Testing Template [XLSX] – No longer offered
CEO Return To Sport Update: December 21, 2020
Important Amendment: Our update from December 14th, 2020 (as seen below) has been amended.
In the section “Canadian Sport Institute Pacific Travel Update During Upcoming Holiday Season”, #2, it has been changed from “If one does choose to travel outside of BC there it is recommended…” to “If one does choose to travel between provinces it is recommended…”
This update reflects that athletes, coaches and staff may be entering BC from other provinces, but may not have been in BC before that point. Any inter-provincial travel will be subject to our regulations as listed section 2a & 2b, as listed from the December 14th update below.
CEO Return To Sport Update: December 14, 2020
PROVINCE WIDE RESTRICTIONS (last updated on government website December 14th, 2020)
Sport exemptions
High performance athletes, professional athletes and professional performers like dancers are not included in the order. To qualify as a high performance athlete, you must be:
- Identified by the Canadian Sports Institute Pacific as a high performance athlete affiliated with an accredited provincial or national sports organization
- Continuing to follow the safety guidelines of your provincial sports organization
Travel advisory
At this time, all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province.
For example:
- Do not travel for a vacation
- Do not travel to visit friends or family outside of your household or core bubble
What is essential travel?
Individual circumstances may affect whether a trip is considered essential or non-essential. Essential travel within B.C. includes:
- Regular travel for work within your region
- Travel for things like medical appointments and hospital visits
For example, if you live in Vancouver and work in Surrey you can continue to commute. If you need to travel for essential reasons, take the same health and safety precautions you do at home:
- Wash your hands often
- Practice safe distancing, 2 m
- Travel only with yourself, household or pandemic bubble
- Stick to the outdoors whenever possible
- Clean spaces often
- Wear a mask in indoor spaces
Canadian Sport Institute Pacific Travel Update During Upcoming Holiday Season
After review of provincial trends and information regarding COVID-19 and in reference to Canada’s Sport Medicine Advisory Council (SMAC) regular advisories, Canadian Sport Institute Pacific recommends the following with regards to athlete and team member travel during the upcoming holiday season:
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- It is safer for individuals not to travel during the holiday season. If you do, please be aware of the public health authority restrictions where you travel and the potential need for self-isolation upon arrival.
- If one does choose to travel between provinces it is recommended that:
- A 7-day self-isolation period upon return, with a negative COVID-19 test result taken on or after Day 5 required before returning to facilities and training groups.
- A 14 day self-isolation period prior to return to facilities and training groups.
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- For any international travel, the present federal 14 day quarantine on return to Canada will be in force unless new regulations and restrictions are released prior to that time.
The above restrictions should be discussed and verified by team members with their NSO and PSO and conform to both provincial health authority regulations where you live as well as where you travel to.
CEO Return To Sport Update: November 19, 2020
Message from CSI Pacific CEO – Wendy Pattenden
Given the recent announcements from the BC Public Health Office and Own The Podium, we wanted to provide an update as to the current status on three important topics.
1. Provincial COVID update:
Following our CSI Pacific external communique from November 12 with regards to athlete and staff travel, we are asking for the collective cooperation from all members of the Canadian Sport ecosystem for your shared responsibility to respect Provincial Health Orders and all of the supporting recommendations:
- On Nov 19, 2020, the Provincial Health Officer issued an order that ALL residents of BC should stay local, avoid non-essential travel within BC and not travel outside the province unless it is essential. In addition provincial health officials are asking those outside the province not travel to BC at this time for non-essential reasons.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/phase-3?bcgovtm=20200506_GCPE_AM_COVID_9_NOTIFICATION_BCGOV_BCGOV_EN_BC__NOTIFICATION#bc-travel
- At CSI Pacific we feel that given the rising COVID numbers in all parts of BC we are asking our sport partners to respect and follow these recommendations. Specifically, at this time we are asking NSOs to not travel to BC at this time.
- The current Provincial Health Officer Orders will be reviewed prior to December 7th. CSI Pacific will update our website as the situation changes in BC:
https://www.csipacific.ca/covid-19
2. Symptomatic Testing:
- NSO/PSO sport partners are encouraged to follow normal public health procedures within, when symptomatic testing is required:
http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/
3. Asymptomatic Testing:
Note (updated Dec. 10th): Information regarding asymptomatic testing will be changing in mid-December and so the update regarding asymptomatic testing from November 19 has currently been removed to avoid confusion
Thank you all, and stay healthy!
CEO Return To Sport Update: November 12, 2020
Message from CSI Pacific CEO – Wendy Pattenden
In light of the recent caseload increase throughout B.C. and Dr. Bonnie Henry’s announcement about changes to the Fraser Health Region and Vancouver Coastal Health Regions, our Whistler Campus has moved back to Phase 2a of our Return to Sport plan. This will be in effect until November 23, at which time it will be reviewed.
Our gym will remain open during this time. Increased vigilance and reduced athlete numbers in the gym will be in effect during this time, with a maximum of two sports and/or 10 athletes in the gym at any one time.
Per the Section E of the Order of the Provincial Health Officer [PDF], a special provision has been granted to athletes identified by Canadian Sports Institute Pacific as a high performance athlete affiliated with an accredited provincial or national sports organization and are already training in the affected area and subject to the safety guidelines of their provincial sports organization.
At this time no out of province athletes are able to come to this region to use our facility. This will be reviewed again on November 23.
CEO Return To Sport Update: August 24, 2020
Message from CSI Pacific CEO – Wendy Pattenden
Updates regarding sanitization and Protocol for Symptoms of Possible COVID-19 Infection
Based on new information regarding COVID-19 transmission, changes have been made in our Physiology and Strength & Conditioning disciplines with regards to our sanitization routines. These changes are reflected on our most recent Return to Sport plan. As well, we have enhanced our protocol when someone is found to have symptoms of a possible COVID-19 infection. These changes are noted in Appendix 9B of the plan.
CEO Return To Sport Update: July 10, 2020
Message from CSI Pacific CEO – Wendy Pattenden
Masks now required when indoors at all CSI Pacific campuses
Following the lead of Dr. Bonnie Henry, who urges that people wear masks whenever at a public indoor space, CSI Pacific is changing our safety measures and require that all staff and visitors wear a mask whenever indoors at any of our facilities. Exemptions are made for athletes when exerting themselves, but they should also wear masks at all other times they are indoors with us.
CEO Return To Sport Update: June 29, 2020
Message from CSI Pacific CEO – Wendy Pattenden
As the Province of British Columbia has now moved into Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, CSI Pacific has also now eliminated the 14-day quarantine for inter-provincial travelers returning to our campuses.
We are also extending training slots in the high performance gym from 60 to 90 minutes (when available) in order to allow for proper traffic flow of people, so as to maintain social distancing, and to ensure there is sufficient time to clean the equipment to the necessary standards.
We have added a new appendix, 9B: Protocol for Symptoms of Possible COVID 19 Infection, that includes a flow chart to clearly direct staff on what to do when they have any symptoms.
A complete list of amendments can be found at the end of the final page of the Return To Sport Plan.
CSI Pacific Return To Sport: June 15, 2020
CSI Pacific will return to sport Monday, June 15. Please view the following important information.
Message from CSI Pacific CEO – Wendy Pattenden
Our facility reopening will be a careful, step-by-step process to ensure all of our combined efforts and sacrifices in BC are not squandered. We recognize we are operating in a very dynamic environment. We will be reviewing and monitoring our plans regularly as BC moves into the next phase of the RESTART PLAN.
After much discussion with our CMO and other medical experts, CSI Pacific have intentionally decided to take a very cautious approach to our facility re-opening. Currently in our Return to Sport Plan, we have chosen to expand the 14 day quarantine to include out of province travel in addition to international travel. A state of emergency remains in place in the province of BC and our provincial health officer continues to advise people to stay close to home and avoid any travel between communities that is not essential. “British Columbians are encouraged to stay in their own communities and avoid non-essential travel at this time. As the province moves into phase 2 and phase 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan, more guidance on travel within the province will be provided. This includes trips to smaller communities, cabins and campgrounds.”
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/travel
We acknowledge that the health of our affiliated athletes is paramount to performance and also closely linked to the health of our communities and staff. We feel that if British Columbians are being asked to NOT travel and stay within our communities, it would seem reasonable that we ask others from outside BC to respect this guideline and do the same. For example, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has a very clear message on their website requesting those not from Whistler to stay home.
https://www.whistler.ca/services/emergency/covid-19-coronavirus
This guideline applies only to athletes and NSO staff that wish to use our training facilities and work with our CSI Pacific staff. We will make swift adjustments to our plan, as the situation evolves.
Latest News
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): October 21, 2021 21/10/2021
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): June 30, 2021 02/07/2021
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): Apr 1, 2021 01/04/2021
- Canadian Sport Institute Pacific teams up with Kontrol BioCloud to help protect Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls on the road to Tokyo 24/03/2021
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): Dec 9, 2020 09/12/2020
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): Nov 16, 2020 16/11/2020
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): Oct 21, 2020 21/09/2020
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): August 13, 2020 13/08/2020
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): July 15, 2020 15/07/2020
- Advisory on COVID-19 from SMAC (Sport Medicine Advisory Committee): June 30, 2020 30/06/2020
Additional Resources
You may find the following seminars and documents useful during this time:
Seminars
May 7th, 2020
Coaching Effectiveness Part 2: Skill Acquisition & Theoretical Coaching Models
– Jennifer Joyce
April 30th, 2020
Coaching Effectiveness Part 1: Skill Acquisition & Theoretical Coaching Models
– Jennifer Joyce
April 24th, 2020
From Intermittent Fasting to Game Changer: Diet Trends to Entice the Masses
– Ashley Armstrong
April 14th, 2020
Strength and Conditioning Under Quarantine
– Mary Claire Geneau
April 8th, 2020
Fueling on a Plant-Based Diet: Is It the Key to High-Performance?
– Genevieve Masson
March 31st, 2020
Developing Resilience: The Role of a Challenging Mindset
– Mustafa Sarkar
March 27th, 2020
Detraining and Performance Residuals: Minimal Effective Dose?
– Stuart Phillips, Trent Stellingwerff
March 25th, 2020
Disruption by COVID-19: A Conversation on Mental Wellbeing in the World of High Performance Sport
– Sharleen Hoar, Christie Gialloreto
Documents
Video
- Nutrition Tip: Staying Satiated with Food While Staying at Home [via Twitter]
- Nutrition Tip: Vitamin D While Staying Home [via Twitter]
- Nutrition Tip: Savour Your Food [via Twitter]
- Nutrition Tip: Eating Structure [via Twitter]
- Nutrition Tip: Recipe Sharing [via Twitter]
- Nutrition Tip: Muscle Maintenance [via Twitter]
- Nutrition Tip: Twenty Minute Challenge [via Twitter]
Contacts
For CSI Pacific-registered National Team athletes, if you have questions related to health, injury diagnosis and/or injury rehab, you can reach out to our CSI Pacific Health Sciences Team. Please see the list of CSI Pacific medical and para-medical providers below, and how they may be able to help you during this time.
If you would like to talk with any of these people below, please contact Amanda Thornborough at athornborough@csipacific.ca with details about which practitioner you would like to contact and for what reason and Amanda will provide you with next steps.
Paddy McCuskey
Paddy McCuskey, CMO of CSI Pacific, is a physician in the discipline of Sport and Exercise Medicine and is available for consultation remotely, including via secure video telehealth and telephone, to discuss any medical questions you may have. This may include questions related to the current COVID-19 pandemic, personal health issues and/or musculoskeletal problems that may be interfering with your ability to train in isolation.
Sue Lott
Sue Lott is a registered physiotherapist in BC working with Canadian Sport Institute Pacific and Rowing Canada along with a private practice operated out of the Vikes Sports Injury Clinic at the University of Victoria. She has a wealth of experience working with a number of sports and parasports including triathlon, rugby, diving, cycling, mountain biking and athletics to name just a few. During this COVID 19, situation and the need for social distancing, Sue will be available to provide telerehabilitation and virtual services including the following:
- Monitoring of current management of injuries
- Injury assessment and recommendations for management of injury including self care options, education and exercise advice
- Movement assessment and exercise prescription. This may include retraining exercises, mobility and/or core stability work.
These services can be completed through phone conversation or video conferencing.
Sandeep Nandhra
Sandeep Nandhra is a certified Athletic Therapist and Strength Coach working out of the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. Sandeep has worked with a number of sports within the CSI family including: Rugby, Diving, Para-Triathlon and Track & Field. During the COVID-19 shutdown Sandeep will be available online/phone for:
- movement screening
- remote programming
- discussions around strength periodization
- return to sport consultation
- injury assessment
Didié Hamel-Jolette
Didié Hamel-Jolette is an certified Athletic Therapist and Strength & Conditioning coach working with CSIP and the High Performance Center of swimming in Victoria. During this period of confinement due to COVID-19, Didié will offer additional services to help support targeted athletes, such as:
- Online athletic therapy consultation
- Online movement assessment
- Online rehabilitation exercise prescription
- Online strength & conditioning recommendations and programming
“Looking forward to help you stay healthy and fit!”