Little Athletics Tasmania – Update on Coronavirus (Covid-19) – 13/3/20

Dear Members,

As you would be aware, the Coronavirus (Covid-19) has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation.  The Australian Chief Medical Officer has recommended a ban on all events with over 500 people which the Australian Government plan to enact from this coming Monday.

Little Athletics Australia had an emergency meeting this afternoon to discuss their position as several of the larger States have not yet had their State Championships.  We expect to receive written advice of their position some time tomorrow (Saturday) but it is likely that they will recommend that large meetings (such as State Championships) be cancelled or postponed but that smaller meetings (such as Centre presentation days) can still go ahead at this time.  Little Athletics Tasmania also has a Board meeting tomorrow afternoon to discuss the issue further.

We are aware that several Centres have presentation/wind-up meets planned for tomorrow and people are naturally asking if they will still go ahead.  At this stage, Centres may still proceed with their Presentation/Wind-Up Days this weekend if they choose to do so.  As an open-air sport with limited physical contact, the risk to participants whilst not zero, is relatively small.  It is also worth noting that in the majority of cases so far, the effect of the virus has been relatively mild for younger people.

It is however imperative that everyone takes precautions to minimise the chance of infection.  We highly recommend the following:

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water.

Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (or your elbow if you don’t have a tissue available).

Do not share drink bottles, food, towels or other items.

Avoid any unnecessary physical contact with others (eg handshakes, “high fives” etc).

Practice “social distancing” and not stay within 1.5 metres of other individuals for more than 15 minutes.

If you feel ill at all, please do not attend the meet and seek medical advice.

Attendance at these events is certainly not compulsory – it is a personal choice.  If you are concerned about the possible risks posed, then we certainly respect your decision not to attend.

The Coronavirus situation and advice from Government and medical authorities is being updated regularly and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide further advice as soon as practicable.

Brett Johnstone

President

Little Athletics Tasmania