A ROADMAP TO RESTARTING WATER POLO!!
Published Fri 08 May 2020
On behalf of WPQ, I am very excited to announce that a short time ago, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed Queensland will move into step one of re-opening on Saturday, May 16. WPQ commend the Queensland Government for releasing the ‘Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions’ in a step-down approach to Covid-19 which is welcomed by all Queenslanders and in particular the water polo community (refer diagram below).
What does this mean for water polo in Queensland??
- Re-opening of indoor and outdoor pools as soon as Saturday 16 May
- Gatherings for up to 10 people are permitted for outdoor, non-contact activity only
- The limit of up to 10 people includes athletes, coaches and other support personnel
- Social distancing of 1.5m and adequate spacing of not more than 1 person per 4m2 must apply
- Minimum of 4 weeks for each stage
- Health and hygiene practices must be adhered to, including:
- Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth and avoid shaking hands
- Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are sick
- Frequent cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces/areas
- In addition people may also access public spaces such as parks, outdoor gyms, playground equipment and national parks (maximum of 10 people)
- Recreational travel of a maximum of 150 kms is permitted within your region for day trips only
- State Government and WPQ strongly encourage all members to download the COVIDSafe mobile app to allow a speedy and safe return to sport (refer to WPQ Statement below)
This is a very much welcomed announcement and will be the start of a ‘Roadmap to Restarting Water Polo’ in Queensland. We are currently working hard with the WPA and their Chief Medical Officer to develop sports-specific guidelines and a structured risk assessment and mitigation process for water polo that considers health, hygiene and risk minimisation protocols. We will also be holding a ‘WPQ Interim Update Meeting’ next Wednesday 13th May at 6.30pm with more details to be provided on Monday 11th May.
The State Government have also scheduled a Sport and Recreation Industry Update meeting with all State Sporting Organisations next Tuesday 12th May at 2pm. This meeting may provide further information about the ‘restart of sport’ in Queensland as well as possible support packages for the resumption of sport and recreation activities across Queensland.
We hope to be in a better position to provide more detailed information at our Interim Update Meeting next week and hope that representatives from all Associations and Clubs can join the call. A short survey will come out shortly regarding how WPQ can best support your Association, Club and/or members as we return to playing.
There is much work to be done so we appreciate your patience and support as we look to create a practical, effective, collaborative and safe plan for ‘Restarting Water Polo’ in Queensland.
Water Polo Qld endorses COVIDSafe app
Water Polo Queensland wishes to convey its support of the Australian Government’s recently launched COVIDSafe mobile app.
The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people who could have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19), which in turn helps to protect the community and assists Australia’s health officials and workers in containing the virus.
Proud of its reputation as an inclusive, gender equal and family friendly sport played by people of all ages, Water Polo Queensland encourages everyone in and associated with the wider water polo community and beyond to download the app.
By receiving early notification of exposure to COVID-19, it could help save someone’s life or a family member, friend or colleague. Early notice may also help contain community transmission.
“We and everyone in the wide water polo community want people back being able to participate in water polo as soon as possible, and by everyone downloading and using the COVIDSafe app, it will enhance the likelihood of this happening earlier” said Water Polo Queensland CEO Mel Woosnam.
“The more we all do in following government directives such as downloading this app, heeding the necessary medical and safety advice, and continuing to stay at home, the better placed our country will be in not only flattening the curve but making our country safer and lifting restrictions so people can get back to participating in sports they love like water polo.”
You can download the free COVIDSafe app for your iOS or Android mobile device by clicking here.
Melanie Woosnam
Water Polo Queensland CEO
