COVID-19 update

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Latest update (13/04/20)

Firstly I would like to say how gratifying it is to know that our members are respectfully following government guidelines and acting socially responsible. Your actions help to reduce the spread by containment which collectively influences the speed of a successful outcome.

Secondly if you are unaware the club is still having its annual ANZAC day run. This will be a virtual run/walk event the details are below and in more detail here. 

How do I participate in the Anzac Day Club Cross Country?

  1. Register here by 15 April stating run or walk
  2. You will be assigned to a team
  3. Run/walk 5 km on 25 April whenever and wherever you choose 
  4. Email a picture of your watch/Strava activity to Petenris@gmail.com by 7pm 
I encourage you all to participate. 

We are still in a holding pattern with respect to government advice. If you are unsure and require information please follow the links below.

  • stay informed through our COVID-19 health alert, which is updated every day
  • keep in touch with friends and family to make sure they’re well
  • take steps to protect yourself and others, such as practising good hygiene and quarantining yourself if you’re sick.
The Australian Government’s health response to the COVID-19 outbreak aims to:
  • minimise the number of people becoming infected or sick with COVID-19
  • minimise how sick people become and the mortality rate
  • manage the demand on our health systems
  • help you to manage your own risk and the risk to your family and community
Safe Regards

Peter S Good
AE President

(31/03/20)

The latest Government updates are as below:

  • stay informed through our COVID-19 health alert, which is updated every day
  • keep in touch with friends and family to make sure they’re well
  • take steps to protect yourself and others, such as practising good hygiene and quarantining yourself if you’re sick.

In general the advice is still to stay at home with a once a day exercise break following the guidelines below.

Group exercise numbers have now been revised down to 2 max. with social / physical distance rules of 1.5m apart.

The health and well being of our members is paramount and recognise that members in the at risk age groups face a more difficult situation. To those the stay at home and self isolate guidelines should be adhered to resolutely.

 
It is clear that the exercise is necessary for well being and, more importantly, abundantly clear that we all must conform with responsible behaviour.
 
  • Train in pairs only
  • Train solo
  • Train local
  • The event you are training for is to be healthy and fit when the Virus is defeated.
To further this message the government outline below shows that the situation is up to us to control. By following the simple and basic rules outlined above we will shorten the Virus pandemic and return to “Normal” life much quicker.
 
The Australian Government’s health response to the COVID-19 outbreak aims to:
  • minimise the number of people becoming infected or sick with COVID-19
  • minimise how sick people become and the mortality rate
  • manage the demand on our health systems
  • help you to manage your own risk and the risk to your family and community
Safe Regards
 
Peter S Good
AE President
(27 March 2020) 

In general the advice is to stay at home with a once a day exercise break following the guidelines above. Group exercise numbers have been revised down to 10 or less with social / physical distance rules of 1.5m apart. The health and well being of our members is paramount and recognise that members in the at risk age groups face a more difficult situation. To those the stay at home and self isolate guidelines should be adhered to resolutely.
 
For others there have been some suggestions as below to conform with responsible behaviour.
 
  • Split into small groups based on gender/similar ability pace, these groups would likely be much smaller than 10 e.g. 5 people
  • Buddy system where people train in pairs only
  • Not have an official training start time, small groups decide their own times
  • Training solo (some are choosing to do this already)
  • Avoid training at venues where close contact may be unavoidable (ES Marks being closed).
ANZAC Day club cross country : It will be run as a virtual race. The principle is to run the course at anytime of day that suits you. An email will follow with further instructions.
 
We are all being tested in these difficult times and at this point it is fair to say the fog is thick, however with a compass bearing and travelling slowly we can navigate and avoid all that presents in our path. Please care for one another and act responsibly as this will create support and contain issues for a positive outcome.
 
Safe Regards
 
Peter S Good
AE President

(19 March 2020)

These are very uncertain times that cause stress and anxiety for many. We encourage compliance with NSW Health and Government advice and in particular the practice of social distancing and hygiene measures.

We as a club plan to continue training, adhering to the government guidelines.

AE training groups are generally less than 30 and with the above health advice we plan to continue outdoor group training because of the social and physical benefits training together brings for as long as it is safe to do so.

However where there is any doubt, the organisation will always prioritise the health and safety of our members as well as the broader community, and take an abundantly cautious approach.

We are currently thinking about the point score but consider it suspended whilst the races that constitute it are postponed. The ANZAC day run is not yet cancelled but the situation is forever evolving and it is hard to say whether it will go ahead or not.

Finally please look after yourselves and follow government guidelines on self-isolation where necessary.

ANSW recommendations for Club small group training:

ANSW recommends that Clubs and coaches understand their very important role in helping reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Athletes should not attend training if they:

  • Have travelled internationally or been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days
  • Are at a high risk including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions

In addition: All athletes are encouraged to practise the following social distancing measures:

  • Minimise physical contact as much as is practicable, for example no shaking hands
  • When attending a training session, ensure 1.5 metres is kept between athletes
(“AHPPC COVID-19 Community Sport Guidelines”, 18th March 2020)

Peter S Good

AE President