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UPDATE on Relaxation of Restrictions – Queensland

Published Thu 14 May 2020

From Friday 15th May 2020 the Queensland Government’s “Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions - A step-down approach to COVID-19” will take effect. Australian Sailing welcomes these relaxations and thanks the Queensland Government for providing the framework.

The framework introduces a three staged approach. It is important to note that at this time the following conditions remain in place and must be abided by or introduced:

  • Social distancing, 1.5 metres and hygiene
  • Stay at home if you are sick
  • Tracking, tracing, rapid response requirements
  • COVID SAFE Plans

The Queensland Government through the Department of Sport and Recreation has stressed that Stage 1 does not include sport. Organised sport activities, events and competitions are not permitted in Stage 1.

The second key message from the Queensland Government is that they do not want people to congregate. Anything that sends the message, intentionally or not, that it is okay for gatherings and people to form groups is not acceptable.

Stage 2 will permit a limited introduction of sport, primarily for training, while Stage 3 will see an almost full resumption of normal sport training and competition.

Members of the sailing community should not return to sailing if in the last 14 days they have been unwell or had close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19. All sailing community members must be made aware not to attend club environments if they are unwell and should use a cautious approach. Anyone who is unwell should see a doctor in accordance with local Public Health Authority guidelines. In an environment of community transmission of COVID-19, any individual with respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever or shortness of breath), even if mild, should be considered a possible case of COVID-19.

A sailor with a possible case of COVID-19 should refrain from training/sailing activity until they have been cleared to do so by a doctor, given the potential for worsening illness.

Our immediate focus is to clarify what sailing activities are permitted under Stage 1. Over the next couple of weeks more information will be provided by the Department of Sport and Recreation to give clarity around permitted activities for Stage 2 and then Stage 3. Australian Sailing is working with the Department of Sport and Recreation to pursue the required clarity and to seek permission for organised sailing activities to return to clubs as soon as safe to do so.

For Stage 1 (15th May):

What does this now mean for sailing and our sailing clubs?

  • Recreational sailing continues to be a permitted activity.
  • Sailing for exercise continues to remain a permitted activity.
  • Access to marinas is allowable.
  • Access to fuel sales is allowable.
  • Food and beverage may open under strict guidelines.  
  • Committee meetings are still encouraged to take place remotely using electronic means.
  • Club houses should remain close and bathrooms and facilities should remain closed except to allow use of toilets.
  • Sailors should embrace a “Get in, Sail and Get out” approach.

What vessels can we sail?

  • Yachts – Yes, provided you remain within 150km of your home; social distancing and hygiene is maintained the people on board are from the same household; or an individual and one friend. Gatherings of 10 are only allowable in an outdoor setting such as a park.
  • Dinghies - Yes, provided you remain within 150km of your home; social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the people on board are from the same household; or an individual and one friend.
  • Windsurfing- Yes, provided you remain within 150km of your home; social distancing and hygiene is maintained.
  • Kiteboarding- Yes, provided you remain within 150km of your home; social distancing and hygiene is maintained.
  • Powerboats - Yes, provided you remain within 150km of your home; social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the people on board are from the same household or an individual and one friend. Gatherings of 10 are only allowable in an outdoor setting such as a park.

How many people can I have on board?

You are permitted to have the members of your household on board,

OR,

One friend on board.

You must also remain compliant with your vessel’s load capacity.

Gatherings of 10 are only allowable in an outdoor setting such as a park.

 

Can clubs deliver racing and organised events?

No. The Queensland Government has provided clear guidance that organised sport activities are not permitted during Stage 1. This includes, for example:

  • Club races (including for single handed or short-handed fleets)
  • State or Regional championships
  • Twilight/ social racing
  • WAGS / SAGS type events etc
  • Coaching
  • Learn to sail activities

Can clubs deliver courses or programs?

No. The Queensland Government has provided clear guidance that organised sport activities are not permitted during Stage 1. This includes both on-water and club/ shore-based activities, for example:

  • Learn to sail courses
  • Instructor/officials courses
  • Squad based programs
  • Information nights
  • Social activities

Is on-water coaching permitted?

Organised sport activities, events and competitions are not permitted in Stage 1, this includes organised coaching.

Can Clubs promote, encourage, and facilitate Sailing?

Yes. Clubs can promote, encourage, and facilitate sailing for recreation and exercise. Clubs must ensure they are communicating the requirements for all to meet the conditions that apply:

  • Social distancing and hygiene must be maintained
  • You must stay within 150km of home and

Clubs have a responsibility to ensure members comply with these conditions whilst on club premises.

If you do not believe your club can make reasonable measures to ensure these conditions are complied with, Australian Sailing recommends you wait until these measures are lifted before allowing activities on your club’s premises.

Clubs Preparation for Stage 2 (12th June) and Stage 3 (10th July)

Clubs should spend time preparing for the resumption of sailing activities under Stage 2 and Stage 3. This should include:

  • Education of club members, volunteers, participants and staff around good health hygiene behaviours and requirements
  • Education around the use of shared facilities
  • Preparation of club environment and facilities to minimise possible transmission

More information will be presented and provided to clubs on these topics over the next week. You will find some key information in the AIS Framework document or via the links below.

Further guidance for Sport

The Australian Institute of Sport has released THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT (AIS) FRAMEWORK FOR REBOOTING SPORT IN A COVID-19 ENVIRONMENT. This is a guide to assist sports and State Governments set reasonable measures to allow sport to resume in each State and Territory jurisdictions.

If you have any questions, please contact your Club Services Officer or Regional Manager Ben Callard on 0417 053 015 or ben.callard@sailing.org.au .

 

 

 

 

Links to resources:

 

 

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QLD Club News Queensland COVID-19