Sport NL is working closely with Public Health officials to revise “return-to-play” plans for sports under Alert Level 3.

Medium and low-risk sports were allowed to take place under a number of restrictions and approvals from public health under Alert Level 3 last summer, but that was before the new variants.

Competition and games weren’t allowed until the move to Alert Level 2.

This time around, under Alert Level 2, the public health rules state “group and team sport, arts and recreation activities restrictions will be based on the current situation and evidence.”

Executive Director of Sport NL Troy Croft says they implemented a phased-in approach last year, starting with skills and drills before working up to group competition—and they’re looking at a similar approach this time.

They’re hoping at some point in Alert Level 3 that groups can begin individual training, skills, and drills within small groups and family bubbles.

Croft acknowledges it’s a slow process, but the message that was conveyed from public health was loud and clear: the B117 variant is a “game-changer.”

Croft believes the slow approach isn’t a bad thing but hopes that with the vaccine rollout happening across the province, sports could be back this summer.

They may very well find themselves in a similar position to last summer, where by June or July, they’re in a position to do more.