Yesterday we were briefed by the Minister of Sport, NSW Health and the Office of Sport.
The Public Health (COVID-19 Temporary Movement and Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021 has been published. This Public Health Order replaces the previous Order and outlines restrictions across the state of NSW.
The new stay-at-home restrictions mean that no community sport (either training or a match) can proceed in Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour while under these restrictions.
Restrictions for community sport in all other areas of NSW (ie. Regional NSW):
Community sport and active recreation activities are still permitted in areas of NSW where the stay-at-home restrictions do not apply (ie. Regional NSW areas). The following restrictions do apply:
Fitted face coverings:
The following rules and restrictions now apply regarding the wearing of fitted face coverings (ie. face masks);
- a) A person must wear a fitted face covering over both their nose and mouth while in any indoor area of non-residential premises; and
- b) A person must wear a fitted face covering over both their nose and mouth while attending a COVID-safe outdoor gathering or controlled outdoor public gathering.
Removing fitted face coverings:
- a) A person may remove a fitted face covering if the person is engaging in strenuous physical activity.
- b) The person must resume wearing the fitted face covering as soon as practical after the strnuous physical activity ends.
As advised in the briefing yesterday the intent is that all persons attending community sport in regional NSW should do so wearing a mask. That mask may be removed for warm-up and games, then once again worn once the game has finished.
All spectators and coaches are to wear masks throughout the activity.
All referees when not refereeing are to wear a mask. This is especially prevalent when in a referees room.
All canteen workers are to wear a mask.
For any indoor area or activity the number of persons on the premises does not exceed the greater of;
- a) 1 person per 4 square metres of space; or
- b) 25 persons
For outdoor sport and recreation activities, the maximum capacity restrictions that were previously in place, remain in place.
This means the maximum number of persons at an outdoor gathering must be calculated by applying the 1 person per 4 square metres rule, up to the maximum capacity restriction (as outlined below).
- A non-controlled outdoor gathering – up to 200 people
Up to 200 people can gather in any outdoor public place, such as a park, reserve, beach or garden. These activities do not require a COVID-19 safety plan and are limited to 200 people. (Our strong recommendation is all Affilaites should have a COVID-19 safety plan)
- A non-controlled outdoor gathering – up to 5,000 people
All outdoor gatherings of more than 200 people must be a COVID-19 safe outdoor gathering. To be deemed a COVID-19 safe outdoor gathering, the organiser must;
- Have and comply with the relevant COVID-19 safety plan
People across NSW should only enter Greater Sydney for essential purposes.
The NSW Health COVID-19 website is available via this link.
We reminded you all to review your COVID-19 Safety Plans and ensure they are up to date. We also encouraged you to constantly review the Public Health Order and stay up to date with the latest changes on the NSW Government COVID-19 website.
We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the State, NSW Health, the Office of Sport and Sport NSW. We will communicate any future recommendations, changes to COVID-19 Safety Plans or Public Health Orders that impact our sport.
Best wishes and stay safe.
