Advice from the WPA Chief Medical Officer

Published Tue 05 May 2020

Water Polo Queensland Logo Advice from the WPA Chief Medical Officer

Dear WPQ Associations, Clubs and Members,
As you may be aware, on Friday 1^st May, National Cabinet released a set of National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities as well as a Framework for Rebooting Sport in a Covid-19 Environment. The actual return to water polo training and/or competition will be determined by the Queensland Government and the Chief Health Officer who will now take the time to consider how these principles can be applied in Queensland to all sport and recreation activities – from elite sport to community sport and recreation. A dedicated committee will be established to create the set of guidelines for all sport and play activities in Queensland. This committee will provide options on the stages of our pathway to return to play to the Chief Health Officer for her decision. The timeframe on this announcement is unknown at this stage as is the decision on when community pools will be permitted to re-open in Queensland.

Below please find the National Principles and some extracts from the Framework which provides a tool on ‘how’ reintroduction of sport activity will occur in a cautious and methodical and staged manner (according to the Levels outlined below), to optimise athlete and community safety. Decisions regarding the timing of resumption of sporting activity (the ‘when’) must be made in close consultation with Federal, State/Territory and Local Public Health Authorities. The priority at all times must be to preserve public health, minimising the risk of community transmission.

Since the release of this information, the Water Polo Australia, Chief Medical Officer – Dr Rachel Harris has now provided further specific advice regarding community level water polo and some important factors we will all need to consider as part of the staged return to training initially and then in due course local water polo competitions, programs and events (please refer to tables below). Please note that the resumption of water polo may not be linear. Increasing restrictions may be required in response to fluctuating numbers of COVID-19 cases. Sporting organisations need to be flexible to accommodate and respond to changes in community transmission rates and the associated changes in advice from Public Health Authorities.

For Community level Water Polo

Essential to ensure ongoing social distancing where possible, strict hand hygiene, and anyone that is unwell stays away from venues and seeks medical attention
Most states have relaxed testing requirements, so that any cold and flu like symptoms make you eligible for testing - if in doubt, get tested, and DO NOT attend communal training whilst awaiting results (Check what your state is doing in regard to testing)
Anyone that has had COVID19 requires comprehensive medical assessment, and likely a very gradual and medically guided return to training
Vulnerable individuals (chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune conditions) should seek advice from their own medical practitioner to assist with risk management and return to training
All measures are a guide, and local government restrictions will decide on when and which facilities can open, and restrictions may increase if there is a cluster of local cases
If there is a CoVid-19 case within a facility, likely closures and quarantine measures will take place, in line with normal public health measures
Staged return to sport, depending on local government restrictions, and individual medical circumstances
Applies to all who will use venues
Stages A > B > C - we are currently in Stage A
For stages B and C
- Get in, train and get out. Minimise use of training facility either side of training, eg. be prepared for training prior to arrival to minimise need to use/gather in changerooms
- Increased cleaning of centres
- Hand hygiene available at entry and exit from venues
- Full shower with soap immediately prior to and after attending communal venue (preferably at home)
- Maintain social distancing where possible of at least 1.5m while training (not more than 1 person per 4m2) – swimming, throwing (shooting/passing) drills.
- Spectators/Additional personnel – limit where possible and separate spectators from athletes. Spectators to maintain social distancing of at least 1.5m. Non-essential personnel discouraged from entering changerooms.
Stage B - Small groups (max 10 persons including athletes and staff) allowed to train together. Non-contact skills and aerobic work only. No full contact/defending drills or wrestling. No socialising or group meals.
Stage C - will not be before at least 4 weeks after Stage B. Consider maintaining some small group separation at training. Normal training. Limit unnecessary social gatherings.
Strongly encouraged to have annual Influenza vaccination