While addressing the nation on Sunday night in regard to the Covid-19 pandemic especially on the way forward to reopen more aspects of the economy, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni among others reinstated sports activities, but only open air activities and without fans/spectators.
Sports activities have been on a halt since 18 March this year when the government declared a state wide partial lockdown following a pandemic scare then. However, the head of state has finally reinstated competitive play.
“Open air activities of sports will be opened provided there are no spectators. We must learn to have games without spectators,” President Museveni said in his address.
The president further added that; players should be tested for Covid-19, 72 hours before the event/game. This test will expire in 14 days. Hence, the Sportsmen will have to repeat the test every fortnight.
Still on re-opening sports; with tournaments, teams should be quarantined for the whole season of the competition.
Indoor sports activities, including gyms, remain closed.
Most sports governing bodies are targeting an October return after engaging their stake holders.
Over three months ago, National Council of Sports (NCS) put in place a working committee to formulate operating procedures to guide the member federations/associations ahead of a possible resumption of sports activities.
On Saturday, 30 May 2020, all heads of domestic sports federations/associations virtually met with the working committee to discuss how to safely reinstate respective sports activities.
This development was in line with the then safe and gradual re-opening of the country after months of lockdown.
However, even though sports activities are reinstated, it will be done in line with the guidelines of; Ministry of Health (MoH), World Health Organization (WHO) and respective international federations.
NCS working committee released operating procedures for resumption of sports activities to all its member federations and associations.
The procedures are ;
•Formulate their specific standard operating procedures outlining inter alia and what measures will be taken.
•Suggest social distancing modalities to be used for example, empty alternative lanes in Swimming of Athletics as well as keep 2metre distance between Athletes, fans and officials.
Undertaking sporting activities in empty venues is a possibility for high risk sports.
•Possibly provide COVID-19 testing facilities at all venues and offices. Athletes and officials shall be required to take tests.
•Provide contact details for athletes, officials and fans which will be recorded for case of tracing and contact if required.
•Undertake temperature checks of all athletes, officials and fans at sports venues or offices.
•Provide sanitizers, soap and hand washing facilities at all venues and offices.
•Provide contact details for athletes, officials and fans which will be recorded for case of tracing and contact if required.
•Undertake temperature checks of all athletes, officials and fans at sports venues or offices.
•Provide sanitizers, soap and hand washing facilities at all venues and offices.
•Ensure that gloves are worn by the team, event staff and officials.
•Provide closed disposal bins and containers at all venues for all disposables as well as provide hygienic materials like tissues.
•Athletes and officials do not share water bottles, clothing or any other personal items.
•Ensure the social distancing is practiced by fans and Athletes. This will be required ensuring that capacity of sports venues is assesses and limited fans are admitted to ensure safe social distancing.
•Ensure that anti Covid-19 containment measures and messaging are displayed at all venues.
•Ensure use of immersive and online technology where feasible to facilitate social distancing maybe used.
•Ensure that regular disinfecting of surfaces at sporting venues is mandatory.
•Put in place measures to ensure social distancing during access and exit of sports venues.
•Ensure all fans, officials and Athletes shall wear masks while participating in sports or in Venues.
