COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

17 April 2020
Written by: michelle doyle

SwimmingSA COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

Updated 17 April 2020

Presidents & Coaches - Check your Inbox - You've Got Mail!


Updated 9 April 2020

Don't forget to view our facebook page for daily hints and tips - Click Here

SA Government Grant for Small Business - Click Here


Update 29 March 2020

Family at home? Need a checklist - Click Here

Stay Informed. Download the "Coronavirus Australia" governement app in the: App Store or Google Play.

Join the WhatsApp Channel on IOS or Android


Update - 28 March 2020

SA Government Jobs Rescue Package - Click Here for More Information

SportSA COVID-19 Resources - Click Here

Sole Trader Information - Click Here

 

Head to Health - Can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia's most trusted mental health organisations. 

View Introduction Video or Visit the website


Update - 26 March 2020

Club/District AGM Regulations during Coronavirus - Click Here for information from Consumer and Business Affairs

Sports Community Webinars for Clubs - Click Here for more information

 

Access Federal Governement Information about economic support from Treasury Website - Click Here

Access Health Information from SA Health - Click Here

Access SA Government Coronavirus Information - Click Here

Swimming Australia COVID-19 Information Page - Click Here

 

Do you have a swimming related CORVID-19 Frequently Asked Question that needs an Answer?

Let us know at admin@sa.swimming.org.au


Update - 24 March 2020

Olympic Trials Qualifying events have been CANCELLED due to the cancellation of the 2020 Olympic Trials.

School Sport Nationals have been CANCELLED - click here for more information.

Further information for individuals needing assistance can be found here - Click Here

SwimmingSA Office remains closed at this time. Should you need assistance please email: admin@sa.swimming.org.au or events@sa.swimming.org.au 


Update - 22nd March 2020

Mad March Titles have been CANCELLED due to new restrictions on indoor sporting venues.

Further information for clubs needing assistance can be located be found on the treasury website - click here

SwimmingSA wishes all clubs and members the best during these tough times.

Further details will be made available on this page as they are available.  


Update - 22nd March 2020

We all have an obligation to be constantly reviewing our own personal health and circumstances as well as the circumstances with regards to COVID-19 measures for our clubs. Please be rest assured the SwimmingSA Board, Staff and Club Committees continue to avail themselves of the most current health and regulatory advice with regards to this pandemic and will update members as necessary. 

During this time please ensure you are playing your part to keep your swimming community healthy by following health guidelines including the newly implemented closure of the South Australian borders an escalation of measures to stop the deadly coronavirus. From Tuesday 24th March 2020, 4pm all people who enter the state will be forced into 14-day isolation. Please ensure should you have been or will be travelling for essential purposes into the foreseeable future that you observe this quarantine and remain away from any swimming club, community member or activity. 

All other measures with regards to social distancing and gatherings remain as previously advised (See below). 

As per previous advice SwimmingSA will update you with advice as needed with regards to upcoming and future planned events - It is anticipated that this will be around the 13th April 2020. SwimmingSA understands there will be an update regarding the School Sport National Swimming Championships prior to 27th March 2020. Information regarding any selection changes for this event will be published as available.

Further information is available from the following sources:


Update – 20 March 2020

A reminder that the Australian Government today has agreed to further risk mitigation measures for non-essentials indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people this includes:

  • in a given occupied space, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space. The 4 square metre arrangements for venues will come into effect from today and will be mandated through state government regulatory arrangements; and
  • all non-essential public INDOOR gatherings of more than 100 people are banned; and
  • all non-essential public OUTDOOR gatherings of more than 500 people are banned; and
  • international level 4 travel ban – do not travel – for the entire world; and
  • all persons returning from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days; and
  • social distancing practices should be rigorously implemented.

We are reviewing the situation daily and will continue to provide up-to-date information to the swimming community and event organisers.

For information about swimming around the country please visit this page - https://www.swimming.org.au/news-articles/swimming-community-key-information-impacts-covid-19 

Prime Minister Press Release - https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-0


Update – 18 March 2020

A reminder that the Australian Government has declared from today the following restrictions apply:

  • all non-essential public OUTDOOR gatherings of more than 500 people are banned; and
  • all non-essential public INDOOR gatherings of more than 100 people are banned; and
  • international level 4 travel ban – do not travel – for the entire world; and
  • all persons returning from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days; and
  • social distancing practices should be rigorously implemented.

We are reviewing the situation daily and will continue to provide up-to-date information to the swimming community and event organisers.

For information about swimming around the country please visit this page - https://www.swimming.org.au/news-articles/swimming-community-key-information-impacts-covid-19


Update – 17 March 2020

Mad March Titles have been postponed until April 24th - 26th 2020.

Further information about the meet with regards to additional nominations, session times, official allocations, venue/spectator capacity and other logistical items will be provided closer to the rescheduled date. It is anticipated that this will be around the 13th April 2020. SwimmingSA retains the right to cancel this event should it be necessary. If the event is cancelled or athletes are unable to attend the new dates refunds will be provided.

Please continue to refer to https://www.facebook.com/schoolsportsa for information regarding SAPSASA Carnivals. School Sport SA will post information regarding these events as soon as they have confirmation from the Education Department.

Please refer to http://www.schoolsportaustralia.edu.au/ for information regarding School Sport National Swimming Championships. We believe there will be an update regarding this prior to 27th March 2020. Information regarding any selection changes for this event will be published as available.

Please be advised that our advice of 15 March 2020 with regards to social isolation, social distancing and hygiene practices remains in force. As does the federal government restriction on public gatherings. SwimmingSA will continue to monitor the situation and implement any further requirements as necessary.

Updates and further information regarding club carnivals and SwimmingSA events planned for May will be circulated in early April.


Update - 17 March 2020

The 2020 Bio Island Junior Excellence Clinic scheduled for 22nd March 2020 has been CANCELLED in conjunction with Swimming Australia and the Red Centre at Prince Alfred College. We thank Swimming Australia and PAC for their support of this activity and look forward to rescheduling this clinic later in the year as circumstances permit.   


Update - 15 March 2020

SwimmingSA in conjunction with our fellow state sporting organisations, state swimming associations and Swimming Australia continue to
closely monitor the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a community organisation with a focus on exercise and wellness participation and sporting success SwimmingSA has an obligation to assist the South Australian community in meeting health objectives by doing what we can to slow transmission of COVID-19 among our members.

With health advice regarding COVID-19 developing at a rapid rate, as you know we made the proactive decision to cancel last weekend’s non-essential Division 1 Meet 4 scheduled for March 14. In addition, we provided a holding statement and continue to provide initial advice regarding the likely cancellation of the Mad March Meet scheduled for March 27-29. Confirmation of which will be provided to clubs and attendees prior to March 24.

These decisions have not been made lightly and due consideration has been given to the best interests of our members, participants and spectators and the wider community more broadly, as the health of our members is our top priority. We will continue to follow the recommendations and advice from the government and other health-industry bodies regarding the best course of action to follow.

We continue to work closely with School Sport SA regarding the upcoming metro and country Sapsasa Championships and selection options for School Sport Australia Nationals later in the year. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/schoolsportsa for the latest school sport information. SwimmingSA is also commencing COVID-19 Medium and long-term strategic impact planning with clubs and state partners in relation to events and other business as usual activities.

We encourage members to remain active through swimming and stress (despite the above cancellations) that currently, our advice around swimming training and events is that they can still go ahead, and people should go about their lives as normal as possible. Getting active and participating in sport provides a number of physical, mental and social benefits and helps to keep communities connected we hope that you will continue to be involved in the swimming community and support each other through these unprecedented times with a priority focus on the health and well-being.

Facilities across South Australia remain open and operating as per normal to date, however, SwimmingSA encourages each club committee to be in contact with venue management and aware of the plans for your training facility.

The 2020 Bio Island Junior Excellence Clinic scheduled for 22nd March 2020 will be proceeding as planned (at this stage) however a reminder to attendees that it will be conducted with the strictest social distancing practices in place meaning there will be no autograph signings, photos or proximity contact with any attendee less than 1.5m. If you wish to withdraw from this event please notify Daniel Lawlor – Daniel.lawlor@sa.swimming.org.au. More detailed information about social distancing practices is available below.   

For our South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) athletes, preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games continue as planned. SASI and Swimming Australia remain vigilant as they continue to work with and take expert advice from all relevant organisations including SA Health, the Swimming Australia and Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer/s and the Australian Institute of Sport.

A reminder that the Australian Government has declared from Monday 16th March 2020 the following:

  • all non-essential public gatherings of more than 500 people should be suspended; and
  • all persons returning from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days; and
  • social distancing practices should be rigorously implemented.

We are reviewing the situation daily and will continue to provide up-to-date information to the swimming community.

Regards, SwimmingSA

 

What Can I do?

Clubs and all members of the swimming community have an important role to play in helping keep swimmers, coaches, officials and each other healthy by encouraging them to practice good hygiene to minimise the risks of COVID-19 spreading by doing the following:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. 
  • Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
  • Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick or have a low-grade fever (greater than 37.3 degrees). If you take medication, ensure you have adequate supplies.
  • Self-isolate for 14 days if you have been overseas.
  • Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
  • Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep
  • Don't wear a face mask if you are well.
  • Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
  • Get the flu shot (available April).
  • Social Distancing is a great choice.
  • If you are feeling unwell, you should avoid attending public gatherings or events.

For the virus to spread, extended close personal contact is most likely required. Close personal contact is defined as at least 15 minutes face-to-face or more than 2 hours in the same space as someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 when that person was infectious.

If you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus disease (COVID-19) stay at home (self-quarantine). If you are concerned, please call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

 

There are a range of resources available to download from the SA Health website, including printable posters and factsheets on practicing good hygiene. For the latest information, visit:  

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is an effective measure, but it is recognised that it cannot be practised in all situations and the aim is to generally reduce potential for transmission. While practising social distancing, people can travel to work (including public transport). For non-essential activities outside the workplace or attendance at schools, universities and childcare - social distancing includes:

- avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
- avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations
- attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in public place.
- avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment

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