Government approves resumption of sports

The Government has given approval for the resumption of sports, but on a case-by-case basis.

The announcement was made in a press release by the Ministry of Sport on Friday afternoon.

The Ministry says that provision for resumption has now been included in the Disaster Risk Management (Enforcement Measures) Order.

Sport Minister Olivia Grange says under the order, organisers of sporting events must first send an application to the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sport.

"We will review the application to see that it meets the requirements as outlined in this Order and transmit it to the Director General of ODPEM (Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management)," she said.

"If the ODPEM is satisfied, after consultation with the Ministry of Health, that the venue is appropriate, and that sanitisation, mask-wearing, and distancing protocols will be strictly observed, then the ODPEM will approve the application for the specific training and/or competition to take place at the specified place and time. This is the process and we all must follow this process.”

The order stipulates that sporting events may be held only at venues that are enclosed by perimeter fencing; where there is access to proper sanitary conveniences; and at places that are conducive to appropriate security measures.

Grange says, though, that no spectators will be allowed at sporting events or training sessions at this time.

The announcement comes just 46 days before the proposed date for the start of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships, to be held over five days at the National Stadium in Kingston.

The Jamaica Football Federation also announced in January that it hopes to start the Jamaica Premier League this month.

Application process

During the period from February 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021, the following provisions apply in respect of sporting events— 

* A person wishing to hold a sporting event (“the organiser”) shall submit an application, for approval of the holding of the event, to the Director of Sports in the Ministry with responsibility for sports, who shall review the application and transmit it to the Director General. 

* On receipt of an application, the Director General may, if satisfied after consultation with the Medical Officer of Health, that the matters specified in sub-paragraphs (d) and (e) in the Order are likely to be complied with in respect of the sporting event, issue to the organiser approval in writing in the form set out as Form 1 of the Fifth Schedule. 

* Where approval is given under sub-paragraph (b), the Director General shall send a copy of the approval to the Director of Sports in the Ministry with responsibility for sports, and to the Medical Officer of Health. 

* Sporting events may be held at venues —

i) Enclosed by perimeter fencing.
ii) Where there is access to proper sanitary conveniences. 
iii) Conducive to appropriate security measures. 

Protocols

The organiser of such a sporting event is directed to ensure compliance with the following requirements, at the sporting event and all training sessions therefore — 

* Between each sporting event sufficient time shall be allowed to ensure the maintenance of the social distancing requirements of paragraph 12(b) and for the venue and equipment to be sanitised.

* All areas for competition and training shall be properly cleaned and all gear and equipment sanitised before the beginning of each session and after each user. 

* No spectator shall be allowed at the sporting event or training session.

* Temperature checks of all athletes, coaches, and officials shall be made and documented.

* Each person at the event or training session shall wear a mask fitted to the person’s face so as to cover the person’s nose and mouth, except when participating in any strenuous activity or water activity, and the person shall change the mask at least every four hours or upon the mask becoming wet.

* There shall be no unnecessary contact between persons (such as hugging, high-fives, or touching) and personal items such as water bottles or towels shall not be shared.

* All promotion for the event shall contain reference to the COVID-19 protocols applicable thereto, including specific reference to the requirements for temperature checks, the wearing of masks, sanitisation, and social distancing. 

* Signage specifying the applicable COVID-19protocols, including handwashing procedures and social distancing requirements, shall be conspicuously placed throughout the venue and the training areas for the sporting event. 

* The points of entry to the venue shall be separate from the points of exit.

* Restrooms shall be cleaned and sanitised at least once every hour.

* Audible public announcements urging compliance with the requirements of this sub-paragraph shall be made at least every 15 minutes. 

More on this story in The Gleaner on Saturday.