A note regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hi Netball players, officials, coaches, and volunteers The safety and health of the netball community is always of the utmost importance to us. As such, we are taking the concerns associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) very seriously and are closely monitoring this rapidly evolving situation The Board and staff are working on a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Response Plan and we will have more to share with you in the coming days. For now, we would like to issue these guidelines, which are identical to those from the Ministry of Health and Sport NZ: Nelson Netball Policy As a precaution and a habit builder, we ask that you please follow the guidelines below. These actions will help protect yourself and others in our community if you are infectious. - Any player/official/volunteer that has:
- been overseas (except from the Pacific Islands) self isolates and does not attend any practices or games for 14 days
- flu like symptoms such as a dry cough and fever, do not attend any practices, play or attend your team’s game at the courts
- Please thoroughly wash your hands before taking the court and as often as possible when playing/coaching/officiating/volunteering; wash your hands using soap and water or a hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
- Please keep your distance from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Symptoms The most common symptoms of novel coronavirus are a recent onset of: - new continuous cough and/or
- high temperature
For most people, coronavirus may be a mild infection and currently we have no known cases in Nelson/Tasman and so these guidelines are just a precaution. It is worth remembering that you can have coronavirus and be asymptomatic, meaning you won’t have the symptoms listed above. Asymptomatic people can still spread coronavirus, so it is important to follow these guidelines regardless of whether or not you experience symptoms. As we are writing this the situation has changed to a cancellation of gatherings over 500 and we do not fit that category. Recommendations: - covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, or coughing/sneezing into your elbow; dispose of used tissues appropriately in a bin
- washing hands with soap and water and drying them thoroughly or using hand sanitiser.
- sport, recreation and play often involves being together in groups or at events. Advice to date indicates individuals should be vigilant with personal hygiene and avoid people with cold or flu symptoms.
There is a dedicated Healthline COVID-19 number for those needing further advice and information - 0800 358 5453. High Performance Sport NZ is also providing information specifically in regards to athletes or related staff travelling overseas to events on its web site. What’s next? We are following the advice of the Ministry of Health and will continue to keep you informed with new information when we have it. This situation is evolving rapidly, and we are closely monitoring it. At this point, the 2020 Netball season will proceed as scheduled, but we are prepared for any changes that may arise and ask that you be prepared as well. We are grateful for your patience during this time. Any information we share will be sent by email, posted on our website, and posted on our Facebook page. Please feel free to share this email with anyone involved with netball in Nelson. Once we have developed the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Response Plan, we will be in touch with you. In the meantime, please watch for additional medical and health advice from the Ministry of Health and be safe. Nelson Netball Board & Staff |
