restrictions remain limiting

Relaxed guidelines continue to restrict UniSA Australian HPV Super Series.

This week’s implementation of the South Australian Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions does not yet provide sufficient relaxation of guidelines to enable the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series to proceed.

The UniSA Australian HPV Super Series is a season long set of events attracting gatherings of several thousand competitors, support staff and spectators.

Three rounds of the 2020 Series have so far been cancelled as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. The next scheduled event is Round 4 at Victoria Park on 25-26 July.

“The opportunity to proceed with events in a safe and manageable manner is under constant review” said Chairman Andrew McLachlan.

As of the beginning of this week, the new and revised updated roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions by the government took effect.

Initially, this provides for gatherings of up to 10 people, with a maintained density of 1 person per 4 square metres, and maintenance of 1.5m social distancing. New freedoms, such as for example around regional travel, auctions and funerals, whilst staying within these guidelines, are permitted.

It also provides for gatherings of up to 10 people for outdoor sport training. Currently all scheduled sanctioned training days at Victoria Park are cancelled through to 30 June, however the capacity to undertake organised practice in the future is currently being considered.

Further easing from 8 June provides, amongst other things, “Sport transition to competition without spectators, …” with group gatherings to a maximum of 20 people, whilst still maintaining social distancing and density rules.

“Given the nature, size and scale of our events, there is nothing within these current modified restrictions which would allow for any Rounds to proceed, but we look forward to seeing further details from the government” said McLachlan.

Future steps have been outlined for consideration, including larger gatherings, and state border restrictions. However McLachlan noted the limitations “As no dates or further details have been provided at this stage, it is difficult to plan beyond the current scenario.”

The Board of the organising body, AIPP Inc., is constantly reviewing and considering government guidelines with a view to returning to safe and manageable HPV events at the earliest possible opportunity, and will advise competitors, supporters and the community further as developments unfold.