Last revised on August 20, 2020

Physical activity and getting fresh air are important for our overall physical and mental wellness. There are ways to be active either at home or outside while keeping physical distance and being COVIDWise.

Our neighbourhood sidewalks, streets, multiuse paths, and dog parks are all available to get outside and get moving. When doing these activities, some ways to stay safe:

Step-aside or pass others quickly and courteously on sidewalks. Passing someone on the sidewalk is not considered a close contact or a significant risk for exposure to COVID-19.

Keep 2 metres distance from others;

When moving at a fast pace (such as when running or cycling), it is best to stay as far away from others as possible;

If you must be behind another runner or cyclist, stay well back and try to stagger yourselves so as to not be directly behind them;

Change your route or the time of day that you go out, so that you can follow these guidelines.

Learn more on the guidelines for the use of City parks.

Before going outside, consider the following questions and assess whether you can keep a 2 metre (6 feet) distance from others:

Does my home environment (i.e. a tall apartment building with limited elevators or narrow hallways) make it difficult to have space from others?

Is my normal walking route crowded right now?

Will I be tempted to talk with others and not maintain a 2 metre (6 feet) distance?

Will my young children have a hard time keeping a 2 metre (6 feet) distance from others, particularly other children?

Who can be active outside? Know your own risks.

For some people, it is okay to go out for a walk, run, or bike-ride. Others may need to stay in their homes for their own safety and/or the safety of the community.

Follow the instructions for your situation below:

Can I get fresh air in my private property (e.g. backyard, balcony, porch)? Can I go for a walk/run/bike-ride off my private property? Individuals who have returned from travel outside Canada Yes No Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild Yes No Individuals who are a close contact of a confirmed/suspected case of COVID-19 Yes No Older adults Yes Ottawa Public Health states that the risk of serious illness f​rom COVID-19 increases progressively with age, particularly beyond 50 years of age. Every individual needs to consider their personal risk factors when making decisions about going out and remember to always be COVIDWise. Individuals who are immunocompromised (or underlying medical conditions) Yes People who have serious underlying medical conditions (such as: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, cancer, are immunocompromised) or who are severely obese are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Every individual needs to consider their personal risk factors when making decisions about going out and remember to always be COVIDWise. All other Ottawa residents (except those listed above) Yes Yes, but only if you can keep 2 metres (6 feet) from others and you have NO symptoms of COVID19

Always remember to wash your hands when you come back in from outside.

Gyms/Fitness Studios (e.g., yoga, dance, martial arts) are now open

It is important to remember that even with precautions, working out inside with others is still considered a higher risk activity. If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 illness you will need to assess what level of risk is appropriate for you. You may need to consider other options for being physically active (e.g., being active outdoors). The use of masks is recommended for any exercise within the gym that does not significantly increase your heart rate and breathing. You, the exercising person, will be the best judge of this. It is also recommended that patrons practice physical distancing (2 metres or 6 feet apart) from others at all times

Outdoor and team sports:

Team sports may only be practiced or played within the facility if they do not allow or have been modified to avoid physical contact between players. This means that if players are “practicing” or “playing” team sports, they must play a modified game to avoid physical contact.



Ideas to stay active at home

If you can’t get outside or don’t have access to a private outdoor space, there are many ways to be active indoors.