FIRST Robotics Canada has a primary focus of ensuring the safety of our participants and community during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they participate in the 2023-24 FIRST Season. While most restrictions have been relaxed, this is still an incredibly serious and ongoing situation. Community positivity remains high as do more serious outcomes such as hospitalizations. As such, we have developed and will be continuing to implement COVID-19 Protocols and Policies to reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure and spread at in-person indoor events in Ontario. Safety recommendations are taken from Health Canada and Public Health Ontario

The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. We are constantly evaluating the current situation, thus our policies and protocols may change due to updated advice, guidelines, and mandates from Health Canada and Public Health Ontario. Policies and protocols listed on this page may be strengthened if the situation worsens. Complete updates will be made available at this website https://firstroboticscanada.org/covid19/ and will also be communicated via Program Update emails and event-specific emails. Each venue may have their own additional requirements, which will be published in advance of the event, and which may change some of our procedures. 

We know that vaccinations combined with public health measures like wearing of masks, increased ventilation, physical distancing, washing your hands, and staying home if you don’t feel well, are the best defences against COVID-19, and we will be making these types of recommendations for our in-person events.  All details on all COVID-19 safety protocols and policies are available in the documents linked below. Some major policies and protocols of note:

  • Masks are recommended for all attendees at any in-person indoor FIRST Robotics Canada event held in Ontario
  • All attendees of any in-person indoor FIRST Robotics Canada event held in Ontario are recommended to have a full series of vaccinations based on eligibility requirements and recommendations from Public Health Ontario
  • Although events will be open to the general public, with no specific capacity requirements, all attendees should complete a COVID-19 symptom screening at the start of each day they are attending an event. It is essential that if you are not feeling well, you must stay home.
  • All event venues will be following the FIRST Robotics Canada Ventilation Policy & Guidelines to help minimize the risk of transmission for all attendees

We thank you for your ongoing diligence as we work to support our community through a safe return to play. We know the pandemic has been an incredible struggle for our community, but we are constantly inspired by your perseverance and dedication to the health and safety of all our communities.

All protocols have been reviewed as of May 1st, 2023.