Return to Play Update & State COVID Guidelines
Monday October 19th 2020
There is finally some light at the end of the tunnel for our Metropolitan Melbourne clubs.
Bowls Victoria is pleased to advise that clubs can re-open your outdoor greens for up to 10 people (with an additional 10 allowed where 100m distance can be provided between groups of 10), for a maximum of 20 patrons in total (outdoor venues only). Clubhouses are still to remain closed.
The 1.5m social distancing restriction must be adhered to between all patrons at all times.
Although masks are not mandatory when playing Community Sport, Bowls Victoria still recommends that masks be worn where you can, and they should be worn between play, when not on the green, and when using toilet facilities, etc.
In summary, yesterday’s easing of restrictions means the following for clubs in Metropolitan Melbourne:
- Bowls can commence with 10 persons per club.
- Clubhouses are not open, except for toilet facilities.
- Greens & surrounds maintenance can occur by paid greenkeepers and volunteers.
For Regional clubs, yesterday’s advice allows for an expansion to the clubhouse restrictions to 40 indoors, with a maximum of 10 per space,
and 70 outdoors.
You can have up to 70 people outdoors, and up to 10 people per indoor space, with a maximum of 40 people per venue indoors. The two and four square metre rules apply. Indoor spaces must be separated by permanent structures (should reach floor to ceiling or be at least 2.1 metres high) or be a discrete area of the premises. Businesses must continue to ensure people from metropolitan Melbourne do not eat-in.
Although this first small step towards re-opening Metro clubs may not be what everyone was hoping for, we do anticipate gaining approval for the 10-person limit set for Metropolitan clubs to be increased on or before November 1st 2020, to what currently applies for Regional clubs.
Please take this news as positive, and use common sense to protect yourself and those around you.
Bowls Victoria’s revised Return To Play / COVID Guidelines can be downloaded here:
Please keep in mind that the information around COVID-19, restrictions, and return to sport is changing rapidly so please check our website or Facebook page regularly.
Please also remember to check in with your local council if applicable to ensure you club is adhering to any additional council requirements.
What does all this mean for the Metro Pennant season and other events?
An event and competition update will be published later today.
Stay safe. Look after your mates.
