Dear Member Clubs, Zones and States,
I have been asked this morning by our President, Mal Dyson, to offer further advise to our member clubs regarding your most recently revised obligations under the Federal Government-initiated Covid-19 social-distancing restrictions. Please let me state at the outset that the ACTA is not a health authority and cannot enforce or mandate health restrictions on our independently incorporated clubs. That said, we wish to ensure the health of our members and their families as our top priority. It is with these caveats in place that I make the following comments.
I have posted the Prime Minister’s Press Conference Statement below. It is explicit that Licenced Clubs and indoor sporting venues need to close from midday today, and has now become more explicit in communicating that there should be NO non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outside or more than 100 people inside. This last sentence clarifies that, in the interests of public health, ANY non-essential gathering should not occur … it should not be interpreted that any activity is still free to proceed if it is just limited to under the 500 maximum. Please note that, even in the event that you were to choose to proceed with a sporting competition, bar and beverage services and clubhouse venues, (regardless of indoor or outdoor), need to be closed at this time. Also, it would be advisable that these kinds of events be intra-club / not advertised to anyone outside the club.
Last week’s advice by the Department of Health was still suggesting that the health risks associated with cessation of sport outweigh those associated with exposure to the virus. While this is contradictory, it suggests that physical and mental health is positively impacted by sporting activity. Finally, the Australian Sports Commission, in its latest statement, has categorised some sports as high risk (i.e.: Wrestling, boxing, martial arts, body contact sports), while others are seen as minimal risk, (i.e.: Tennis, Cricket and non-contact sports).
As always, we ask clubs to continue to exercise a responsible attitude and behaviour towards the containment of this pandemic in the best interests of ensuring the health of our members and their families. Given these circumstances, our current stance is that we strongly recommend that all clubs suspend their shoots immediately and until further notice.
I have also attached the WHO recommendations below to help keep you safe and contain the spread of the virus.
As always, I will be in touch again if / when any further developments / requirements are placed on us.
Kind regards,
Paul
Paul Gilbert
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Clay Target Association Inc
Media statement
22 Mar 2020
Prime Minister
E&OE
Australian governments are focused on working together to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) to save lives.
Every extra bit of time allows us to better prepare our health system and put measures in place to protect Australian lives.
We will be living with this virus for at least six months, so social distancing measures to slow this virus down must be sustainable for at least that long to protect Australian lives, allow Australia to keep functioning and keep Australians in jobs.
The Prime Minister, state and territory Premiers and Chief Ministers met on 22 March 2020 as the National Cabinet. They agreed to further actions to support social distancing measures already put in place and protect the Australian community from the spread of coronavirus.
Practicing good hygiene and keeping a healthy physical distance between individuals is our most powerful weapon in fighting this virus and saving lives. The failure of some businesses and members of the public to do this puts people’s lives at risk.
We need every Australian to do their bit to save the lives of other Australians.
Leaders thank those members of the public who are adhering to social distancing measures. However, leaders expressed their disappointment at some members of the community who are disregarding social distancing measures and, by doing so, putting the lives of older and vulnerable Australians at risk.
If we want to slow the spread, everyone must implement appropriate social distancing in accordance with state and territory laws.
Places of social gathering
National Cabinet agreed to move to more widespread restrictions on social gatherings.
Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to implement, through state and territory laws, new Stage 1 restrictions on social gatherings, to be reviewed on a monthly basis.
Australians should expect these measures to be in place for at least 6 months.
The following facilities will be restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020:
- Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
- Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies).
Isolated remote community hubs are not included in these restrictions.
Other facilities are not impacted, but will be considered under stage 2 restrictions, if necessary.
These measures also apply to outdoor spaces associated with the above venues.
Leaders noted that these enhanced measures build on existing measures to slow the virus and save lives:
- No non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outside or more than 100 people inside.
- All non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm. All Australians should expect their local businesses to be following this rule.
- Where possible, keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others
- Avoid non essential travel
- Restrictions on entering aged care homes to protect older Australians
Leaders acknowledged that these new restrictions will change the way we live and expressed deep regret for those business owners and employees who will be impacted. The goal is to reduce the spread of the virus, to flatten the curve and to save the lives of fellow Australians.
State Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed they would give effect to these restrictions through their own legislative processes and make announcements accordingly.
Premiers and Chief Ministers will consider further Stage 2 restrictions if social distancing measures are not adhered to.
#stopthespread with these handy tips.
Follow these tips from the World Health Organization to keep yourself safe and help contain the spread of the virus.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
2. Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, and nose.
3. Avoid contact with people who are vulnerable. And if you can’t, wear a mask.
4. Cover your cough with the bend of your elbow.
5. Disinfect surfaces you regularly use.
6. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your healthcare provider.
7. Only share information from trusted sources.
