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There will be little change for the country’s sports people no matter what level you compete at when the alert level for Covid-19 moves from 4 to 3 next week.
Sport New Zealand has issued guidelines on what can and can’t be done at level 3.
Sport New Zealand chief executive Peter Miskimmin said moving to level 3 “provides more opportunities for people to be active outside of their home … but the safest place to be remains at home and within your bubble”.
Organised sports or physical activity outside your bubble is not allowed.
The guidelines state you cannot play frisbee or kick a rugby ball with some outside of your bubble nor use things like playground equipment or benches in public spaces for your training.
If you’re exercising outdoors, maintain physical distancing and do not arrange to meet anyone.
Outdoor sports where 2 metres physical distancing is possible for example golf, tennis, or bowls can be played but, again, only with people in your bubble.
That said public sports facilities will remain close and private ones cannot open their clubhouses, toilets or showers for members.
Common touch points must be minimized. It is the responsibility of the facility owner to sanitize all surfaces (eg. gates, flags, holes, nets etc) after each use.
Users should sanitize their hands after touching them.
Public pools and gyms remain closed and personal trainers should continue to work from home and use online and video conferencing facilities to deliver their training.
Hunting is possible at Alert Level Three, as long as participants stay local and stick to their bubble, and it does not involve a motorized vehicle in the hunting activity.
Hunting on public conservation land is not allowed while long, backcountry tramping or overnight hiking is not allowed.
Mountain biking on known trails for experienced mountain bikers is permitted.
“Remaining active is key for our physical and mental health. That’s as important as ever right now, but everyone must do this in way that is safe and in full accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines,” Miskimmin said.
“It has been amazing to see on social media how creative New Zealanders have been at finding opportunities for play, active recreation and sport while we’ve been in lockdown, and how so many individuals and organisations have shared their tips and workouts to help and inspire others.”
Source: rnz.co.nz Republished by arrangement.