Covid-19 update re NI Executive easing of lockdown restrictions: 21/05/2021

The NI Executive at their meeting yesterday confirmed a further easing of lockdown restrictions which will take effect from Monday 24^th May 2021.

This circular, which has been prepared in association the GAA and Ulster GAA, addresses the issues which are most relevant for GAA/LGFA Units in Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone.

 

GAMES (General)

 

The key change in relation to the hosting and playing of games is that the cap of 100 people in attendance at competitive sporting events is being removed and up to a maximum of 500 spectators will be permitted to attend games in the ‘Six Counties’ from that date.

The onus is on units to stage games safely and in accordance with the Executive guidelines, including advice pertaining to social distancing. Units should ensure that they operate in accordance with the Gaelic Games ‘Return to Spectate’ advice and particularly bear in mind the following;

Spectators should be aware that all the risks posed from Covid-19 cannot be eliminated but that essential control measures have been put in place to reduce risks for members. These include;

• Appropriate Covid-19 signage should be displayed at all venues.
• Spectators must not attend games if they display any symptoms of Covid-19 and instead should phone their GP and follow public health advice.
• Individuals must be informed that much of the responsibility for managing Covid-19 risk remains with themselves particularly in relation to social distancing, wearing of face coverings and sanitation.
• Spectators should be encouraged to bring their own hand sanitiser.
• While face coverings are not mandatory for spectators. However, in the interests of risk minimisation it is strongly encouraged that they are worn by all. Volunteers and stewards shall wear face coverings at all times when operating in public facing areas.
• Spectators must not enter the field of play at any time including pre-match, at half-time and other intervals and after the final whistle or at end-of-match presentations.
• Spectators should be advised to keep their own record of contacts at a match for potential tracing purposes.
• Spectators should be encouraged to download the StopCOVID NI or, if appropriate, the HSE tracing app.

 

CLUB GAMES

 

The onus is on clubs to stage games safely and in accordance with the Executive and Gaelic Games guidelines.

Each club must complete an event plan prior to each fixture they are staging and this should be retained as a record.

Remember, the 500 limit on spectators is the maximum number of spectators which may be in attendance at a game.

In accordance with the Gaelic Games ‘Return to Play’ protocols, dressing rooms should remain closed for all club fixtures and training sessions.

INTER-COUNTY GAMES

 

The onus is on host counties to stage games safely and in accordance with the Executive and Gaelic Games guidelines.

Each host county must complete an event plan prior to each fixture they are staging and this should be retained as a record.

The LGFA will issue guidance to counties early next week in relation to the attendance of spectators at Lidl National League in the ‘Six Counties’ which are taking place after 24^th May 2021.

GYMS/SPORTS HALLS

 

GAA/LGFA club gyms and sports halls in the ‘Six Counties’ may also open their doors from 24^th May. This must be strictly in accordance with Executive guidelines and the number of people allowed on the premises at any given time must be determined through;

• Social distancing
• A risk assessment to determine maximum capacity
• All contact details for trace and test purposes must be taken and must be taken and retained by the club.

More detailed guidance for clubs on the use of gyms is included as an annex to this circular. 

 

SOCIAL CLUBS

 

GAA/LGFA social clubs may open from 24^th May, in accordance with general regulations for the hospitality sector.  These include;

 

• Table service only – maximum of 6 people (which can be from different households)
• More will be permitted if all are from one household, to a maximum of 10.
• All contact details for trace and test purposes must be taken and retained by the club.
• Social distancing required. Patrons must stay at table – no gaming machines, pool tables, etc.;
• Face coverings must be worn once no longer seated for any reason, for example, to go to the toilet
• No meal requirement
• No dancing
• No live music
• Music must be at ambient level to permit normal conversation
• Risk assessment as per current regulations for outdoors

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES

 

The GAA/LGFA will permit activities such as drive-in cinemas and indoor and outdoor bingo from 24^th May.  A full risk assessment must be undertaken in advance of any such event and contact details of all in attendance such be retained for trace and test purposes.

Club and County Committee meetings should continue to be held virtually.  This will be reviewed in the coming weeks.

Following the return of training for Gaelic Games, competitive games in the ‘Six Counties’ and the anticipated return of competitive games in early June for the remaining 26 counties, the return of spectators and visitors to grounds is another step in the journey back to normalisation.

It is vitally important that we continue to apply the highest standards of compliance and minimise risk during the ongoing pandemic and act responsibly at all times.  The Association has responded positively to all of the Government(s) health guidelines since the outbreak of the pandemic and we must continue to do at this juncture.

For your information, the hyperlink to the ‘Covid-19 Guidelines on the safe return to Gaelic Games’ is included below;

(https://learning.gaa.ie/sites/default/files/GAA%20Safe%20Return%20to%20Play%20-%2016.04.2021_2.pdf

Wishing you well as you welcome patrons safely back to your venues in the weeks ahead.