Exemption given for non-contact sports

THE Ministry of Health has given an exemption for non-contact sports to continue, but the Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe is urging people to take all the precautions to stay safe during the covid19 pandemic.

A Ministry of Health media release, dated September 17, said, “The Minister of Health has granted an exemption to clubs which operate to support sporting activities, save and except, that such sporting activities are group contact sports and/or teams sports.

“This exemption permits clubs which support sporting activities, which are not group contact sports and/or team sports, to operate. These clubs and their members must operate in accordance with the remainder of the regulations.”

Gatherings of five or less are allowed according to the current measures.

National sporting officials, including president of the National Association of Athletics Administrations Ephraim Serrette, felt the Health Ministry release needed to be a bit clearer.

Two other sporting officials, speaking off the record, said they were hoping for more clarity.

On Friday, a Ministry of Sport and Community Development release explained the process that national sporting organisations must take. “Sporting clubs wishing to utilise facilities under the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, are advised to first get clearance of their club’s covid19 plans, from the County Medical Office. These plans must clearly state, how the club proposes to function in accordance to guidelines specified by the Ministry of Health.”

Minister Cudjoe has expressed satisfaction with the decision taken by the Health Ministry, however, she is encouraging persons to exercise continued caution.

“The threat of the pandemic is still a priority, we are still on high alert. As such, the ease of restrictions does not negate social distancing norms, sanitising, use of masks and other guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health.

“The Ministry remains committed to serving the sporting fraternity during this challenging time, and requests stakeholders to cooperate and exercise patience as we work towards advancing all sporting disciplines and overcoming the global pandemic."