Bowls NSW and Women's Bowls NSW have released the following joint update on the coronavirus:
Update 17/3/2020
JOINT ADVICE FROM WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW AND BOWLS NSW REGARDING CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)
Both Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW have been continuously monitoring the Coronavirus situation.
Subsequent to a teleconference meeting with Bowls Australia and all State & Territory Associations late yesterday and with regard to the notice released by Bowls Australia today (17 March 2020), Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW jointly advise the following:
Amid growing concerns and uncertainty in relation to the spreading of COVID-19 and to provide a safeguard to all members, volunteers, clubs and their staff, especially concerning the demographic that encapsulates a large proportion of both associations’ memberships that Women’s Bowls NSW & Bowls NSW have decided that:
All bowls events be suspended for an indefinite period, effective immediately (from this date).
This relates to all association events, competition events, club events and tournaments.
While this is obviously an unfortunate disruption to the season, Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW believes that a blanket guidance such as this leaves all associations, clubs, players, coaches, officials and administrators in the state in the same position while we watch developments around COVID-19.
It is important to note that the season is not being cancelled. At this time, the recommended action is seen as a socially responsible position for the lawn bowls community in NSW to take.
We would like to remind members that all clubs remain open for business and the advice from Clubs NSW is:
“The public can be assured that their local club is a safe and hygienic environment, with no detected cases of COVID-19 to date at 1200 venues across the state.
The Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) were clear in their advice that while non-essential mass gatherings such as sporting events will have to be reviewed, people should go about their everyday lives.
Day to day club operations will be unaffected and venues have already taken proactive measures to ensure your local club is a safe place to enjoy a drink and a meal.”
Information on each NSW association events, and any other information will be forwarded to relevant membership as more information comes to light, please look at both association websites regularly for updates.
Please see below regarding general health recommendations:
What to do if you become unwell and are concerned you may have coronavirus:
Coronavirus presents as a mild cold like illness in the majority of people. If you have known exposure or have travelled to an area of high or moderate risk, and have a fever, shortness of breath, or flu like symptoms (including cough, sore throat, fatigue) or any other concerns please isolate yourself and phone your GP or Hospital Emergency Department and notify them prior to attending a review.
How to minimise risk:
Good hand hygiene is likely, the single most effective method for reducing the risk of spread of viral illness.
Good hand hygiene should include:
• Washing hands and/or use of hand sanitiser
• Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose and mouth, with unwashed hands
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue (where possible) and wash your hands afterwards
• Avoid close contact with others, such as touching or shaking hands
• Clean surfaces with hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes or a cleaning spray
If you have any general enquiries, please contact:
Women’s Bowls NSW on 02 9267 7155
Bowls NSW on 02 9283 4555
Anne Johns Greg Helm
General Manager – Women’s Bowls NSW CEO – Bowls NSW
