On Friday January 21st 2022, the Government made a significant announcement in relation to Public Health Measures in the Republic of Ireland.
The full announcement is here: gov.ie – Government announces that most of the public health measures currently in place can be removed (www.gov.ie)
A large number of the public health measures have been removed in the Republic of Ireland. Key items in relation to sport & physical activity are as follows:
1. Formal requirements for physical distancing of 2 metres removed
2. 8pm closing time for sporting events removed
3. Capacity restrictions for outdoor sporting events removed
4. Capacity restrictions for indoor sporting events removed
5. Seated only spectators at indoor sporting events removed
6. Use of pods for indoor sporting activities removed
7. Use of a COVID pass to access indoor events removed
The Government has reiterated the need for ongoing close monitoring of the virus. Sporting bodies, including the IABA are advised to continue to risk assess individual activities and events. This includes the continued implementation of good hygiene practices along with recommending symptomatic individuals do not participate in or attend sporting activities.
Ø Mask Wearing: The requirements for mask wearing in settings where currently regulated for will continue until February 28th 2021.
Ø Close Contacts: This continues to follow the current advice for those with symptoms, cases and close contacts as announced by the government on 12 January 2022
Ø International Travel: Organisations partaking in international sporting activity should continue to monitor the travel requirements both in Ireland and the destination country. Sports should also note that the use of the Digital Certificate will continue for international travel for the immediate future.
Further information can be found here: gov.ie – International travel (www.gov.ie)
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the continued commitment of members and boxing clubs in implementing and supporting the various public health measures.
The IABA is aware of the desire of members of the boxing family to return to spectating at the National Stadium, in particular, to watch, in person, the remaining stages of the National U22 and U18 Championships. For logistical reasons unrelated to public health measures, this will not be possible for competition on January 28th, 29th and 30th. The IABA hopes to be in a position to welcome spectators back to the home of Irish boxing for the latter stages of the competitions and will issue a further advisory in due course.
For clubs in Northern Ireland:
Keeping people safe at your sports club and at sports events:
It is now more important than ever that the sports sector follows the public health guidance published at NI Direct: –Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations and guidance: what they mean for you | nidirect
In summary, if you are responsible for organising exercising and sports activities you should: –
- Carry out a risk assessment for outdoor sports events and activities where there will be more than 30 people involved;
- Carry out a risk assessment for indoor sports where there will be more than 15 people present;
- Encourage good hand and respiratory hygiene and provide hand sanitation stations;
- Ensure good ventilation for indoor areas – (keeping windows and doors open when possible) – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-ventilation
- Ask people to wear masks indoors (and consider the use of face coverings in some outdoor settings and when in congested areas);
- Implement one way systems to avoid congestion in common areas;