The NSW Government has announced indoor recreation facilities including gymnasiums, leisure centres, community halls, health and dance studios, and indoor pools can reopen from Saturday 13 June.
Junior and senior community sporting competitions, training and contact activities can resume from Wednesday 1 July.
Organisations are reminded that until changes come into effect, they are required to comply with the current Public Health Order and follow the recommended physical distancing measures of 1.5 metres while training in groups of up to 10 people.
Following the announcement relating to the reopening of indoor recreation facilities from Saturday 13 June, NSW Health has clarified that indoor recreation facility operators will be required to ensure the following capacities are adhered to within their venues:
Ensure the number of people in a facility does not exceed one person per 4 square metres, including staff (i.e. the 100 person indoor premises rule will not apply to indoor recreation facilities); and
Ensure sport and recreation activities (including fitness, health, swimming and dance classes) have no more than 10 participants, plus the instructor and any assistants, per space and comply with one person per 4 square metres.
Under Public Health Orders, indoor recreation facility owners and operators must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan detailing how their business will keep participants, visitors, volunteers and workers safe.
COVID-19 Safety Plans
The NSW Government has developed COVID-19 Safety Plan templates for the sport and recreation sector.
Under Public Health Orders, indoor recreation facility owners and operators must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan detailing how their business will keep participants, visitors, volunteers and workers safe.
The following COVID-19 Safety Plans have been developed for indoor recreation facilities that can reopen from 13 June:
Many sport and recreation organisations may have already developed plans and protocols for the resumption of activities. Organisations are encouraged to check the relevant COVID-19 Safety Plans to ensure key considerations are addressed in their plans and protocols.
Organisations are also encouraged to ensure both operators and facility hirers are aware of their COVID-19 Safety Plan responsibilities.
It is important that organisations have signs and posters around the facility to remind workers, customers, visitors and others of the risks of COVID-19 and the measures necessary to stop its spread. Signage and posters are available for download.
Also the ACT has different restrictions in place, having started to lift restrictions from Saturday 30th May 2020. Clubs based in the ACT, that wish to use venues in the ACT, may do so under the ACT/local government public health orders (please check with your venue).
