Update - Athletics Ireland Events and Covid 19 Coronavirus - March 12th
Updated Information on Coronavirus Covid 19 & Athletics Ireland Events
Thursday March 12th 2020
Athletics Ireland: The ONLY advice to be followed will come from HSE
Statement by An Taoiseach
The following measures will come into effect from tomorrow until 29 March:
Schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow (Friday)
Indoor mass gatherings of 100 people or more and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled
all State-run cultural institutions will close
Where it is possible to work remotely people should do so. Public transport will continue and shops will continue to remain open.
Mr Varadkar said we need the public and businesses to take a sensible approach.
Athletics Ireland Statement & Instruction
Athletics Ireland is guided by this expert HSE advice and will physically close our office from tomorrow morning but all staff will be operating our business from their homes. We have all prepared to operate telephones and emails remotely to minimise disruption to our business.
Athletics Ireland is therefore instructing all affiliates to suspend all athletic competitions and events with immediate effect. We understand that this decision will result in inconvenience and disappointment to many athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters. However, we are sure that all will understand that the decision is taken in the best interests, not just of the athletics community, but of the Country.
Meantime:
a) Check the HSE site, at least daily, for updates or changes in the advice
b) Follow HSE & WHO advice on Hygiene and Social Distance
c) There are no specific adverse conditions relating to your event, or people associated with your event
d) Common sense prevails - The trouble with Common Sense is that it is very rare!
HSE Coronavirus Information
HSE Guidelines on Mass Gatherings
HSE Guidance and Advice Resources
Guidelines on Mass Events
The Government has issued separate guidelines for those organising mass events involving groups of more than 5,000 people and those with groups of less than that amount.
The Taoiseach said this afternoon that the Government will not be ordering the cancellation of any events at this stage, including St Patrick's Day events.
Coronavirus Symptoms
Cancelling Events
Yesterday, a government statement said "people should not act unilaterally, including crèche owners, school principals, business owners or event organisers as that causes problems."
So....The current position is that Athletics Ireland events may proceed, but that, due to the coronavirus crisis, event organisers do have additional responsibilities if they go ahead with their events.
While no information on these additional responsibilities have been published, it is likely that will include considerable emphasis on the area of maintaining personal hygiene, maintaining 'social distance', and the provision of additional toilet and handwashing facilities, and ensuring that the highest standards are maintained.
Indoor / Outdoor Events
Indoor events present a greater risk of virus transmission, due to the closer proximity of people at the event, while, outdoors, the risk would appear to be less. However at race starts, in particular, athletes are likely to be tightly packed.
Some Suggestions for Race Participants
Practice good Hygiene ...ALWAYS!
If you are ill, or feel ill, please don't come to the event!
If you have been to a Covid-19 hot-spot please do NOT attend
Do NOT share cups or water bottles
If you are a spitter, please swallow instead
Blow your nose using 'Runner's Snort'? Please don't do it!
Avoid close contact with others. Start and finish lines, and queues for refreshments are areas where this is particularly likely.
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