New COVID-19 Directions - South Australia

Update 03/08/2021:

Dear SA Club leaders,

As you may have seen announced by the Premier yesterday as from 12:01 on 5th August 2021 some restrictions on activities are easing.

The following restrictions will come into effect from 12.01am 5 August 2021:

• 1 person per 2 square metres for defined public activities.
• 1 person per 4 square metres for gyms and indoor fitness (indoor fitness facilities includes gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, dance and pilates studios and swimming pools).
• Sport (including school and community sport) can return to competition – restrictions on spectators.

The below restrictions will remain in place:

• Household gatherings limited to 10 people.
• Private activities limited to 10 people.
• Seated consumption of food and beverage (outdoors and indoors). Communal food and beverages are not permitted.
• No singing indoors, unless it is a performance, an education establishment or a private lesson.
• Dancing is not permitted unless by the bridal party at a wedding or at a fitness dance studio where alcohol is not served.
• Masks required in shared indoor public spaces, passenger transport services, health care services, high risk settings, and personal care services. Masks can be removed by a customer or client if it inhibits the provision of services by a health care service or a personal care service. Other exceptions also apply.

More information, including the new Activities Direction, will be available once updated by SA Government at http://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency.../public-activities

Regards,

Ian

Update 28/07/2021:

Good Morning

As of 12:01am on Wednesday 28 July 2021, South Australia came out of the 7-day lockdown.

The Emergency Management (Activities – Associated Direction No 5)(COVID-10) Direction 2021 have been released and are to operate as an appendix to theEmergency Management (Activities – General No 3) (COVID-19) Direction 2021.

The Directions came into effect 12:01am on Wednesday 28 July with implications for the sport and recreation industry.

A summary of these changes is listed below:

• 1/4 density (1 person per 4 square metres).
• No communal consumption facilities.
• Seated food and beverage consumption only.
• School, team and club sport training that does not involve interaction with other schools, teams or clubs is permitted. Masks are not required when physically exerting.
• Competition is not Currently permitted
• Sports spectators are only permitted to be present as a caregiver for a participant at training - only 1 caregiver per participant is permitted and must be wearing a mask.
• Masks are required for shared indoor public places (i.e. club rooms, dinghy sheds, etc…).
• Masks should be worn by Instructors, coaches, etc…
• Mandatory use of QR Code check-ins.

We encourage you to continue to monitor the latest SA Health advice through the following channels:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sahealth

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sahealth_/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/SAHealth

Website – https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/

Regards,

Ian

Update 20/07/2021:

Further to my earlier email, due to the escalating COVID-19 situation in South Australia, the SA Government have just announced this morning a Statewide 7 Day lockdown as from 18:00 this evening (20th July). As of tomorrow, schools will also be closed.

There are only 5 reasons under the new directions to leave home these are:

1. Care & compassionate reasons
2. Essential Work
3. Purchase of essential goods such as food
4. Medical reasons
5. Exercise that is limited to people from the same household - (This does NOT include going sailing and is intended for short, close to home exercise, such as jogging, walking, etc… max 90 minutes and no further than 2.5km from home).

For Directions and FAQs: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au

For SA Health: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid-19

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Last night the South Australian Government announced our state was moving to Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions. The impacts for our sport are that all club and group training is to stop effective from 12:01on 20th July 2021. In addition, competitions including club racing are not to occur. Solo training can still occur as usual.

It is expected that the SA Government will review these restrictions on Friday 23rd July 2021, we will endeavour to update you as required.

For up to date directions and FAQs: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au

For SA Health: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid-19

Update 1/12/2020:

As from 12:01 on 1st December 2020, The Emergency Declaration and Directions will be updated.

Here is a summary of the key relevant information for organised Sailing activities both Training and competition:

• All community sport is permitted - This includes all formats of sailing, both training and competition.
• Food and beverage must be consumed while seated indoors, but you are permitted to stand and consume food and beverages if outdoors or within a private function room.
• Cocktail functions, self-serve buffets or grazing tables where people congregate and use shared utensils are not permitted. Note: If you remain at the same table, food allocated to your table can be shared among people who are at your table.
• There is no cap on the total number or patrons in a venue, however, the 1 person per 4 square metres rule applies to the indoor section and 1 person per 2 square metres rule applies to the outdoor section.
• You are permitted to sit at the bar if there is no food preparation taking place.

Contact Tracing

• From 1 December, any organisation with a COVID Safe Plan must use the approved contact tracing system (This includes Clubs, Discover Sailing Centres and any Class Associations who are delivering any activities themselves)
• Those who already have a COVID -Safe Plan will be issued via email from government, an updated COVID safe Plan with a QR code attached, The QR Code MUST be displayed in the premises/venue to allow visitors to scan the QR code, to securely check in for contact tracing purposes.- (This does NOT negate the need for participants to be registered as usual for your sailing activities through your usual means, such as SAILPass, sign on/off, etc...)
• Those who do not already have a Covid Safe Plan will need to create a new COVID Safe Plan, which will be issued to them via email from Government, their COVID Safe Plan will include their QR Code
• A Paper recording log template is available for organisations to use for anyone who does not have a smart phone, but it is highly recommended that the digital version is used where possible to avoid contamination through people touching the paper form and or sharing pens.

COVID Marshals

• A COVID Marshal is still required.

Indoor public meetings

• The maximum number of people allowed at the 1 person per 4 square metres rule applies and 1.5m physical distancing is strongly encouraged.

General advice

• Density requirements in indoor spaces is 1 person per 4 square metres
• Density requirements in outdoor spaces is 1 person per 2 square metres
• Wearing of masks in public places is highly recommended

SA Emergency Declaration & Directions:

https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations

COVID Safe Check in Information:

https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/business-and-work/covid-safe-check-in

SA Health:

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Public+Content/SA+Health+Internet/

SA Government COVID-19 Hub:

https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au

Australian Sailing COVID-19 Hub:

https://www.sailingresources.org.au/covid-19/

Update 22/11/2020:

As of 12:01 am on Sunday 22 November we will revert to similar restrictions that were in place on Monday 16 November 2020.

As recently detailed during the Premiers press conference by Commissioner Grant Stevens, and in line with the restrictions which were in place on Monday 16th November, as from Midnight tonight, community sport will still not permitted until at least 1st December. This means that organised sailing, both training and competition is not permitted until at least 1st December 2020. Individuals however, are permitted to recreationally sail on their own equipment, in their own time, as from midnight tonight, providing they comply with all other aspects of the Emergency Declarations & Directions.

At this stage, to allow clubs, Discover Sailing Centres and Class associations time to forward plan, we would recommend that you use the 5th December as the first likely date that you should be permitted to conduct organised sailing activity, however, please monitor all reliable SA Government sources for the exact detail and permissible activities.

SA Emergency Declarations & Directions:
https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations

SA Health:
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/.../SA+Health+Internet/

SA Government Covid-19 Hub:
https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au

Australian Sailing Covid-19 Hub:
https://www.sailingresources.org.au/covid-19/

Update 20/11/2020:

As you may be aware, in relation to changes regarding the recent COVID-19 Outbreak in South Australia, the Premier has today, announced changes to the current strict restrictions.

As of 12pm today, Friday 20 November 2020  exercise outside of your home with members of your household is permitted. - Our understanding is that Sailing in any format (organised or un-organised) is not captured with in this, and the intent is that it captures activities such as walking / going for a run / walking the dog / etc… (i.e. short format exercise close to home) - Masks are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged. 

As of 12:01 am on Sunday 22 November (Midnight Saturday) we will revert to similar restrictions that were in place on Monday 16 November 2020. The exact details of this is still being finalised by Government and will not become clear until the new Emergency Declaration and Directions are updated on Saturday night. 

As soon as we are provided any further detail or clarification from Government about any changes we will provide further advice and guidance to you. Please monitor the Government webpage here for any changes and the exact detail will be included in the Emergency Declaration and Directions after 12:01 on Sunday. 

Update 18/11/2020:

As you may be aware, in relation to the recent COVID-19 cluster in South Australia, the Premier has today announced strict new restrictions from MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (18th November).

There will be a 6-day "circuit breaker" period of restrictions across South Australia.

Government are currently finalising the exact detail, and as soon as the Emergency Declaration & Directions are updated, and we have received further advice and guidance from Government, we will provide further advice and clarification to you.

What we do know is that from midnight tonight, the following activities will not be permitted for at least a period of 6 days.

• All schools (except for children of essential workers)
• Takeaway food outlets
• Universities
• Pubs, cafes, coffee shops, food courts, sporting clubs
• All elective surgery
• Open inspections
• All outdoor sport (this includes organised sailing activity)
• Factories (except those required for food or medical production)
• Aged care facilities will be locked down (no visitors except for organised end-of-life visits)
• Holiday homes

The following restrictions will also be in place

• People must stay at home (except essential service workers)
• No exercise outside the home (this includes recreational sailing activity)
• 1 person per household per day may leave to purchase groceries
• No regional travel
• Masks must be worn outdoors
• No weddings or funerals to take place
• No construction to take place
• Fly-in, fly-out workers on standby

The following essential services can remain open

• Water, power and telecommunications services
• Supermarkets (with limited access)
• Medical facilities (including mental health services)
• Public transport
• Airports and essential freight services
• Petrol stations
• Post offices and banking institutions
• Mining and smelting operations, and factories that must be maintained
• Childcare facilities for families of essential workers
• Some government services
• Veterinary services
• Essential agricultural services

Update - 17/11/2020:

New Covid Directions came into effect from The SA Government at midnight last night, initially for a 2-week period, - to be reviewed.

Here’s a brief summary of what you need to know.

The following activities are not permitted (expected duration of 2 weeks) -

Gyms
Play cafes
Trampoline centres or similar
Sport at recreation centres
Community sport (indoor / outdoor, contact / non-contact) - This includes organised sailing activity
Dance / yoga / pilates / spin classes
Any activity with a previously approved COVID Management Plan must not be carried out for a period of two weeks from the commencement of the Direction

The following activities are permitted -

Outdoor boot camps / personal training (complying with density and social distancing rules)
School sports taking place during curriculum time (Note: some school sport has already been cancelled. Please check with Schools on this)
Swimming for fitness or rehabilitation purposes at swimming pools used by the public (Note: some pools have made the decision to close, please check with your local pool)
Indoor public meetings
Onsite purchase and consumption of food or beverages, if -

• food and beverages (including alcohol) are only consumed by patrons while seated
• there are no communal food or beverage service areas (such as buffets, salad bars or communal water / beverage dispensers); and

The total number of persons attending the place does not exceed 100 people (including outdoor seating); and
The total number of persons on each table does not exceed 10

General directions -

Density requirements have changed to 1 person per 4 square metres
Physical distancing remains at 1.5 metres
Private gatherings at licensed venues will be capped at 50, with 1 person per 4 sqm, no vertical (standing) consumption
Hospitality (pubs, clubs, restaurants) capped at 100 per venue, with 1 person per 4 sqm, standing consumption including outdoor, max booking size 10, seated dining only
Gatherings at private residences capped at 10 people
 

General advice -

Consider working from home if you can
Vulnerable people should remain at home
Restrict all unnecessary travel/outings
Wear a mask for activities where you cannot avoid crowds (e.g. bus/train travel)
Get tested even if your symptoms are only mild
Check SA Health website for locations/dates and times were isolation/testing is recommended
For the full Directions and FAQ’s visit - https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/

South Australian COVID-19 restrictions and information

The South Australian Premier has announced further COVID-19 restrictions, one of which will impact the sport and recreation sector.
 
As of the 21 August 2020 a COVID Marshal will be required to supervise a prescribed operation. In accordance with the Emergency Management (Public Activities No 7)(COVID-19) Direction 2020 a prescribed operation includes but not limited to:

• The onsite purchase and consumption of food or beverage (whether occurring in an indoor or outdoor area)
• Social and sporting clubs
• Operations at gymnasiums and fitness centres
• Swimming pools used by the public

If more than 200 persons are reasonably expected to be present at or participating in prescribed operations, a COVID Marshal supervising the prescribed operation must not have any other duties in respect of the prescribed operation.
 
The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing will provide further details to you regarding the training required for COVID Marshals when the Government releases this information.
 
I encourage you to refer to the relevant Emergency Management Directions and the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the new COVID Marshals including what they will be required to do.
 
I would like to stress again, this is not the time to be complacent. Therefore, we must continue to:

• Stay home if you are unwell
• Keep 1.5 metre distance from others wherever and whenever possible.
• Adhere to the density requirement of 1 person per 2 square meters.
• Wash or sanitize hands and common surfaces regularly.

As at the 1st June 2020, some further South Australian COVID-19 restrictions will be relaxed.

On Monday 25 May 2020, the Premier announced that South Australia will now transition to Step 2 of the South Australian Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions (the Roadmap) on 1 June 2020. The easing of restrictions for Step 2 is based on a number of Principles based on available medical evidence.

To implement Step 2 of the Roadmap, the State Co-ordinator will update the relevant Emergency Management Directions (the Directions) which South Australians are bound by.

Step 2: From 1^st June 2020

Return to Sport and Recreation - Recovery Step 2

Further easing of restrictions will apply to specific activities from 1 June 2020.

Clubs/organisations reopening after COVID-19 restrictions will need to create a COVID-Safe Plan.

Social distancing

From 1 June, social distancing measures should still be followed. This means

• 1 person per 4 square metres
• 1.5 metres between people

Gatherings

From 1 June, more people may gather, depending on room size.

• A maximum of 80 people may gather at a venue.
• Any separate room or area may have a maximum of 20 people (subject to the 1 person per 4 square metre rule).

Restrictions eased

From 1 June, restrictions will be eased on the following businesses and activities.

• Non-contact outdoor sport (competition) (20 max participants)
• Non-contact indoor sport (training) and indoor recreation activities (10 max participants)
• Gyms and indoor fitness (10 participants per class)

Club/organisation responsibilities: COVID-Safe Plan

Clubs/organisations that were previously directed to close must complete a COVID-Safe Plan before they can reopen.

This Plan will outline how your staff and patrons can be kept safe from COVID-19. The plan must be completed and made available at your club/organisation premises. If your club/organisation was allowed to reopen during Step 1 of South Australia’s Roadmap to Recovery, you must complete a Plan before 1 June.

Create a COVID-Safe plan

Step 2 principles

The easing of restrictions for Step 2 is based on a number of principles based on available medical evidence.

While South Australia currently has a low number of cases, it is important that we continue to apply principles that limit the ability for COVID-19 to be transmitted and to spread among networks of people, and continue to test everyone with COVID-19 symptoms.

Read the Principles for Step 2 changes

What does this now mean for sailing?

Sailing is a non-contact outdoor sport, therefore from 1st June 2020

• Single handed and crewed racing is permitted
• Single handed and crewed training is permitted
• During racing attempt to keep a distance of 1.5 metres from other people where reasonably practicable
• Follow the one person per 4 square metres rule ashore to ensure sufficient physical distancing between participants.
• Maximum fleet sizes of 80 Individual competitors is permitted in a race
• Maximum group sizes of 20 participants is permitted in training, with up to 80 individual participants across multiple groups
• Organisations must submit a COVID-Safe plan to Government prior to commencing racing or training
• Changing rooms are to remain closed
• All other risk mitigation strategies from step 1 still need to be in place to manage the risks associated with COVID-19

What organised activity is permitted in South Australia after the 1st June 2020?      

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 - Here
• Australian Sailing COVID-19 Information Hub - Here
• SA Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing website - Here
• SA Government COVID-19 information – Here
• Australian Government COVID-19 information - Here
• AIS Framework for rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 environment - Here