The resumption of sporting and recreational activities in Fiji hinges on sporting federations compliance to a three-tier framework that outlines strict COVID-safe regimes including that all attendees including participants are fully vaccinated and have the careFIJI app activated on their phones.
Launched today, the 11-page document is split into three levels – the first stage being the play safe which involves solo training or personal wellness and activity programs, the second stage otherwise known as Open Up Stage allows for the resumption of non-contact sports and non-contact training but restricted to not more than 10 athletes at a time and the third is the all-Go which means the resumption of all sporting activities including contact sports.
Each level is further divided into four categories, the first being a description of what kind of activity is allowed and how to go about it, the second category outlines hygiene measures that must be complied with – for instance Level A discourages sharing of equipment, water bottles and encourages regular hand sanitising, Level B differs in that it allows for communal spaces to be used provided that mitigation measures have been taken before use, and patrons may be required to change prior to arrival to avoid crowding in the changing rooms.
Category three outlines measures for spectators and additional personnel, such that level one prohibits spectators unless the patron is a parent and/or carer as opposed to level two which allows for spectators, but that they are distanced from participants by at least 2m. Category four outlines exercise protocols for each level.
“It is the responsibility of all National Sporting Organisations, Community Sports Associations, Sporting clubs, Sports facility operators, gymnasiums (both private and public), to comply,” Fiji National Sports Commission chairman Peter Maizey said.
Sporting federations should also be mindful that facility owners would have their own protocols that must be followed as well.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Fiji Sports Council and the Fiji National Sports Commission will certify all sports that wish to resume their sport by aligning to these three-level guidelines.”
