Advice on Mask Wearing Whilst Playing

by tbreuer

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ONLY APPLIES TO THOSE CLUBS SITUATED WITHIN THE GREATER SYDNEY METROPOLITAN; CENTRAL COAST; BLUE MOUNTAINS, WOLLONGONG & SHELLHARBOUR AREAS.

Bowls NSW Limited has tried to ascertain what the NSW Government restriction concerning mask wearing for “organised outdoor events” in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area means.

NSW Office of Sport have explained that a controlled outdoor event is one that is:

an outdoor public gathering in an area—

(a) that is enclosed or bounded by fencing or another form of barrier, and

(b) access to which is controlled by way of a ticket, and

(c) in relation to which all persons, other than persons engaged in work, are assigned to specific seats or to a seating area.

And that Clubs must have an approved COVID Safe Plan in place for their licensed premises.

Bowls NSW Limited, based on its advice, recommends that during Lawn Bowls matches, the wearing of masks is not mandatory, however, may be required, if specified, within a clubs COVID Safe Plan.

It also recommends that Clubs ensure that participants, where possible, are abiding by social distancing rules – this includes spectators and officials.

Participants are reminded that, as part of the new restrictions, that persons must be wearing a mask in any indoor setting, except for when eating and/or drinking, be seated at all times and that clubs must now abide by the 1 person per 4 sq metre rule.

For a full list of the restrictions and further information go to: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/public-health-orders.aspx

As the current restrictions for the areas stated above are due to expire at Midnight, next Wednesday 30 June, all Bowls NSW Limited events, other than those already advised, are still planned to proceed.

Bowls NSW Limited will keep all clubs and members informed, if there are any changes.