Dear WPQ Associations, Clubs and Members,

As of today, restrictions have begun easing in Queensland – a welcome change for many of us.

Late last night we received advice that the Queensland Government have established a website which features up-to-date information via www.covid19.qld.gov.au/returntoplay

The website features a guidebook, fact sheets, frequently asked questions and a checklist for our industry so that our stakeholders, members, participants and visitors have the latest information.

The guidebook especially will act as a single point of information to better understand the easing of restrictions and what that means for all of us at each stage.

We encourage you all to get familiar with the site, remembering that the resources will be updated regularly as we move through the stages and to reflect the latest health advice.

If you have any questions, please contact WPQ via email at admin@waterpoloqld.com.au or call 07 3367 1661 before going directly to the Sport and Recreation team as we can give advice specifically for water polo activities.

We look forward to seeing more activity resume as we work through this phased re-introduction safely, over the next few months.

More water polo specific information will be developed in the coming week/s and we will share this with you as it is developed in conjunction with Water Polo Australia, QSport and State Government.

Below please find some key information from the State Government regarding permitted activities for Stage 1.

Restrictions for sport, recreation, and fitness organisations

Getting Queenslanders active is a key priority. Restarting activities in stages will ensure we keep everyone safe, healthy and moving.

A staged approach

• Stage 1: from 15 May 2020
• Stage 2: from 12 June 2020
• Stage 3: from 10 July 2020

This staged approach is in line with directions from National Cabinet and Queensland’s Roadmap to easing restrictions. As the end of each stage approaches, we will review the situation and health advice to make sure it’s safe to move on to the next stage. It is not guaranteed that all parts of Stages 2 and 3 will be able to be implemented.

At all stages the maximum number of people includes players, coaches, spectators and any other person around the gathering in addition to staff, trainers and instructors.

Stage 1: from 15 May 2020

This stage is focussed on people engaging in informal, unorganised physical activity:

• groups of 10
• non-contact, informal outdoor activities
• pools (indoor and outdoor)
• parks, playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms
• hiking and recreation activities in national and state parks
• travel up to 150km from home or 500kms within the outback if you live in the outback
• maintain physical distancing 1.5m, 1 person per 4 square metres.

Sport

Indoor sports — team, individual, contact and non-contact activities

• No formal organised individual or team community sport or training (unless an exemption is approved).
• No indoor activity permitted, except for pools, which can operate for up to 10 people.

Outdoor — team, individual, contact and non-contact activity

• No formal organised individual or team community sport or training (unless an exemption is approved).
• Non-contact informal activity permitted for up to 10 people.

Pools

Pools can operate for up to 10 people.

Communal swimming pools are open for recreation, training and rehabilitation purposes, under the following rules:

• one person per lane per lap swimming
• a maximum of 10 swimmers per pool
• no spectators, except for up to one parent/carer per child, if necessary
• communal showers and change rooms are closed
• toilets may remain open
• minimise the use of communal facilities
• shower with soap before and after swimming (at home, not at the pool).

If you require any further information please contact the WPQ Office via email at admin@waterpoloqld.com.au or call 07 3367 1661. If the matter is urgent please call me on my mobile 0412 164 416.

Thankyou for your patience and please continue to stay safe, implement appropriate personal hygiene and safety practices and above all, adhere to the above restrictions so that we can look forward to a safe return to organised water polo in Stages 2 and 3.