Australian Sailing has received updated guidance regarding the impact of easing restrictions on sailing in South Australia.

As of the 11th May 2020, some South Australian COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

When the Prime Minister makes recommendations to the states about restriction guidelines relating to COVID-19, each state must then consider how those recommendations will be applied. They are not enforceable in South Australia until the State Coordinator, Commissioner Grant Stevens, enacts a Direction.

The South Australian Directions apply to everyone living in, and entering, South Australia.

While the Prime Minister and National Cabinet have released a national framework, state and territory governments must develop their own plans for moving towards a COVID safe society and economy. 

The South Australian government has released a Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions with Step 1 starting on Monday 11 May. This roadmap is South Australia's plan.

Step 1: From 11 May

General Principals

• Gatherings should be 10 or less people at any time 
• Keep 1.5 metres distance from others 
• 1 person per 4 square metres (density requirement) 
• If you have a cold or flu symptoms, seek testing and stay home until you are well. 
• Wash your hands often, wipe frequently touched surfaces, and cover coughs and sneezes. 
• Vulnerable people like the elderly and people with chronic health conditions should talk to their doctor about what is appropriate for them. 

Sports Training (Outdoor Only)

• Outdoor team training is allowed, as long as you follow the density requirement, the 1.5 metre social distance rule, and you have no more than 10 people participating in a group. This number excludes any staff necessary to facilitate the training 
  • Note: This means that there may be multiple groups of up to 10 people participating in particular activities at the same venue (provided that the density requirement is complied with and an appropriate distance is maintained between groups). 
• Indoor sports and sports competitions will remain prohibited for now. 
• People are encouraged to limit the number of people in any location as much as possible (for example: no more than 1 parent per child), to get changed and shower at home, and practice good hand hygiene. 
• Sports clubs and organisations are encouraged to increase the frequency of environmental and disinfection cleaning and to have a risk management plan in place. 

What does this now mean for sailing?

• Recreational sailing and sailing for exercise is permitted
• Some organised club training is permitted
• Competition is not permitted
• All clubrooms and indoor facilities must remain closed
• Access to toilets inside buildings is permitted at training times with a management system in place. 
• Gatherings of greater than 10 must be avoided.
• Social distancing should be encouraged
• Outdoor dining of up to 10 patrons is permitted for restaurants and cafes. Patrons must be seated at tables. Alcohol is not permitted to be served or consumed on the premises. 
• Have a maximum of 10 participants in any one group 
  • (Multiple groups of up to 10 people may participate in activities at the same venue, for example, spread out on the beach provided the density requirements are met). 
  • People employed, engaged to work, or undertaking official duties for the purposes of the relevant activity are excluded from the headcount. (i.e. 1 coach/ Instructor and 10 participants in a group is permitted under Government requirements, but it should be noted Australian Sailings ratios remain for accredited courses).
  • The overall number of people on site should be minimised. As such, no spectators should attend, except one parent or carer per child, if necessary. Non-participating attendees should adhere to social distancing principles at all times.
• Clubs must implement their own risk management strategy to mitigate against risks associated with Covid-19

What organised activity is currently permitted in South Australia?

Further guidance for Sport

The Federal government released its roadmap for returning to sport on Friday 1st May through SportAus and the Australian Institute of Sport. The principles included in the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment for the resumption of sport are designed to address sport at the community (club) level, as well as individual and elite levels. There are three levels (A, B and C) for which there will be progressive relaxation of current restrictions.

It should be noted that the AIS framework is a guide only for Sporting Associations and Governments to use in development of their plans for the easing of restrictions.

Australian Sailing has prepared a document entitled Returning to Sailing in a COVIDSafe Environment which is based upon the AIS framework, the activities at level B / Stage 1 for Sailing in South Australia have been agreed to by The South Australian Government and The South Australian Police.

It is envisaged that limited competition may be able to resume after 8th June, Australian Sailing  will communicate this to the sailing community as and when it happens.

Australian Sailing continues to work with Sport Australia, the Federal Minister for Sport and our State Government, as well as attending all relevant briefings from Federal and State departments. We expect further guidance to be released over the next few weeks and we will inform the sailing community of the impacts of any decisions and return to play measures.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either your Club Service Officer or Regional Manager.
 
Links to resources:

• SA Health website
• Australian Sailing COVID-19 Information Hub
• SA Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing website
• SA Government COVID-19 information
• Australian Government COVID-19 information
• AIS Framework for rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 environment
• SA Sports Step 1 Fact Sheet
• SA Emergency Management non-essential business & other activities Direction
• Australian Sailing Returning to Sailing in a COVIDSafe Environment