A newly-developed coronavirus resource will support sporting organisations across North Queensland to stay COVID-19 safe as they return to training, competitions, and programs following the easing of community sport restrictions in response to the pandemic.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and North Queensland Sports Foundation (NQSF) have teamed up to create the ‘It’s time to bench COVID for good’ poster to help community sporting clubs’ players, volunteers, coaches, and spectators return to action in a safe, responsible, and low risk manner.
The poster will be distributed directly to community sporting clubs across the region, as well as all 31 local government councils in North Queensland.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer John Gregg said the resource focuses on giving community sporting clubs and associations a handy guide for a safe return to sport at all levels.
“Obviously our local sporting community is desperately keen to get back playing the sports they love, but we need to ensure that is done in the right way,” Mr Gregg said.
“We’ve designed this poster for community sporting clubs to place in and around their facilities, as well as to distribute to members, to help people take simple steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.
“Practical tips in the poster include safe facility practises, such as the importance of not sharing water bottles, encouraging personal hygiene such as washing hands or using hand sanitisers, and staying 1.5 metres apart.
“It also stresses the importance of downloading the COVIDSafe app, and staying home if any players or spectators are suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms.”
NQSF Chief Executive Officer Stephen Farrell said North Queensland’s sport and active recreation communities, clubs, and State level organisations are preparing for the resumption of sporting activity at their venues.
“Assistance for these organisations to prepare to meet the COVIDSafe requirements necessary to help participants and support personnel reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 is vital,” Mr Farrell said.
“The NQSF is dedicated to supporting active and healthy regional communities by advocating sport and active recreation in the region.
“We all need to do what we can to advance a safe and properly prepared plan for the resumption of sport and active recreation in our communities.
“Our State sporting organisations and government authorities are available to assist, with additional information required to support a safe return to an active lifestyle.
“The information provided in the NQPHN/NQSF poster underpins the basics for a safe return to sport.”