Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus originating from Hubei Province, China. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia and people may experience fever, flu-like symptoms or shortness of breath. In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have recently been in mainland China, Italy or Iran or have been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus.
COVID-19 is increasingly impacting on the global community and is a rapidly evolving issue.
There is a risk of transmission of infections in large gathering and sporting environments, therefore any participant who is currently suffering from any flu-like symptoms or is feeling unwell, regardless of their recent travel, should refrain from attending events.
The situation is changing on a daily basis, and it is important that the community follows current Australian Government advice. Click here for further details. The website also contains general advice regarding COVID-19. All individual must follow advice and restrictions relating to isolation following travel or contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Any individual who is subject to the outlined travel restrictions or has been in contact with a confirmed coronavirus case should not attend any AIPP event or related activity for 14 days following travel or contact.
The AIS website is regularly updated with advice on the impact of coronavirus on sporting activity. There is not currently any advice recommending that Australians should refrain from attending sporting events, however everyone is strongly advised to stay up to date with the Department of Health advice.
The best way to prevent the spread of infections such as COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene, including:
Hand Hygiene
Washing your hands often with soap and water, for 20 seconds, and/or using an alcohol-based hand rub
Using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Avoiding close contact with others including personal greetings, such as touching, handshakes, kisses, and hugs. Fist bumps are appropriate.
AIPP will endeavour to ensure facilities are well stocked with sanitiser and hand soap. We advise all individuals to have their own hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes for wiping down communal surfaces after use.
Food Consumption and food preparation
We know that athletes, coaches and spectators will be preparing and consuming food and drink throughout the Mt Gambier 8-Hour Event. It is extremely important to maintain strong hygiene standards both when preparing and consuming food.
This includes, but is not limited to, sanitising hands prior to and after preparing food, wearing gloves (on sanitised hands) when preparing food for others’ consumption, ensuring hands and surfaces are all well sanitised prior to preparation and consumption and also post consumption and preparation. Water bottles should be cleaned frequently with hot, soapy water. There should be no of sharing water bottles.
AIPP recommends that all Teams, Supporters, Participants and Volunteers follow the most up to date advice issued by the Australian Government and any additional advice issued by their State Government.
ISSUED: 12 March 2020
