COVID UPDATE

A MESSAGE FROM WANNEROO BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION 

(25^th February 2022)

 

The Wanneroo Basketball Association would like to provide our members with a COVID update. Some of you are aware there has unfortunately been a number of positive COVID cases in our membership this week. We now have positive cases across all aspects of our association which we are managing as per State Government and Department of Health (DOH) advice.

With the current definitions of close contacts, it is unlikely positive cases will require us to shut down our competition at this stage. Obviously as the numbers grow so will the impact, but it is no longer a “one case = shut down the association” situation.

To date, advice from the DOH has varied, and our best advice is to follow instructions from the DOH. 

If someone tests positive for COVID-19 or are considered a close contact;

 - They are obliged to notify and follow the instructions as outlined by the WA Government website;    https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

Due to the large number of cases the DOH is handling, we have experienced up to a 3-day delay between a positive case notifying DOH and close contacts being officially informed. The DOH is responsible for notifying close contacts however this week the DOH has requested the association inform the close contacts on their behalf.

We believe it is helpful to provide the basketball community with examples of the scenario that has (to date), been most commonly faced within the basketball community and is currently being provided to us by DOH.

· In most (but not all instances) where a player has been confirmed by the DOH as having COVID-19 and infectious, their teammates, the opposition and the referees involved in the game have all been deemed close contacts and encouraged to isolate for 7 days and complete a RAT or PCR.

 

To assist in reducing the amount of positive COVID cases in our association we recommend:

· Limiting the number of spectators/parents that attend games to watch participants thus reducing the total amount of people in the venue.

– At this stage we are not capping numbers as we believe we will be under the 2 sqm guidelines, however common sense must apply. If it is not imperative you are at the stadium as a spectator, please do not attend.

· All patrons must wear masks as per the guidelines.

· Once a game has been completed ideally participants leave the venue as soon as possible to ensure minimum number of people are in the venue at any one time.

 

The State Government FAQ’s has further helpful information: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/covid-19-coronavirus-testing-isolation-and-close-contact-frequently-asked-questions

It is important we all do the right thing and follow the guidelines and health advice to keep our players on the court as often as possible this year.

We understand it is frustrating and confusing, but we always have the health and safety of our members as our number one priority. 

* The above information may change at any time pending further venue or State Government announcements or restrictions.

Please follow our website and social media for updates.

We will continue to provide information as it comes to hand, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.  

Wanneroo Basketball Association | Joondalup Wolves