Sports get green light

The Government of Jamaica has given the green light for the resumption of sporting activities on a case by case basis.

In a statement on Friday,  Sport Minister Olivia Grange, said that provisions for the resumption of sporting activities have now been included in the Disaster Risk Management (Enforcement Measures) (No. 2) Order, 2021.

“Under the Order, organisers of sports events must first send an application to the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.  We will review the application to see that it meets the requirements as outlined in this Order and transmit it to the Director General of ODPEM," she said.

She added that if the ODPEM is satisfied, following consultations with the Ministry of Health, that the venue is appropriate, and that sanitisation, mask-wearing and distancing protocols will be strictly observed, then the ODPEM will approve the application for the specific training and/or competition to take place at the specified place and time. 

The minister asserted that it will be a process that all must follow.

The Order mandates that sports events may be held only at venues that are enclosed by perimeter fencing; where there is access to proper sanitary conveniences; and at places that are conducive to appropriate security measures.

Minister Grange emphasised that “no spectator will be allowed at sports competitions or training sessions at this time.”

She said each sporting activity must involve “regular cleaning of gear and equipment and the taking of the temperature of all athletes, coaches and officials who must be the only people allowed at the sports event.”

Each person at a sport event must wear a mask, except when participating in any strenuous activity or water activity, and the person shall change the mask at least every four hours or upon the mask becoming wet.

The Order also mandates that there shall be no unnecessary contact between persons (such as hugging, high-fives or touching) and personal items such as water bottles or towels shall not be shared.

According to Grange, sports bodies including the JAAA, boxing, swimming and others may resubmit their applications to stage events, including training sessions, under the provisions of the new order. 

Minister Grange further urged sports officials and athletes to become familiar with the rules for the resumption of sports and to follow them scrupulously as they are designed to keep everyone safe.

She says there will be consequences where the rules are not followed.

“Where there is a breach, we will take action,” said Minister Grange.

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