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BASKETBALL UPDATE 13 MARCH 2020
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID19)

We would like to re-assure the Basketball WA community that we are closely monitoring the updates regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Health, as well as Basketball Australia, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Sport Australia to assess the current situation of the Coronavirus and its impact on local sporting activities.

The current position is that domestic competitions and basketball activities should continue to operate as usual, we are monitoring the situation daily and will advise if this situation changes due to the relevant authorities providing us with any further direction. Presently there are no formal restrictions on events where large numbers of people congregate, however organisations are

naturally being cautious. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer has indicated gatherings of more than 500 people should be avoided where possible. We are conscious of the need to monitor any developments with COVID-19 and will act in accordance with the advice from the relevant authorities.

In regards to the WABL grading tournament this weekend BWA has made the decision that this is a non-essential tournament and given it involves around 3,000 competitors and spectators having to be indoors for two full days in close proximity we have decided to cancel the grading tournament for 2020. Teams will now be graded manually by BWA with consultation with the local basketball associations.

Existing domestic competitions and the SBL will continue as normal over the weekend and we will review the situation again early next week and keep the basketball community informed. This weekend’s SBL games will be restricted to approximatley 500 people. There is a possibility that we may as an industry delay, postpone or reschedule games in the coming weeks if the situation in WA changes from a health perspective.

In the meantime for sport specific advice, please refer to the AIS webpage, dedicated to providing evidence based, real time advice, including travel as well as FAQs relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

ADVICE TO ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
All of our Member Associations and Clubs should stay up-to-date with advices issued by the Department of Health https://healthywa.wa.gov.au regarding COVID-19 and should also follow health and safety practices regarding regular cleaning of equipment and facilities, including bathrooms, change rooms, canteens and common areas. You can also call the WA Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

TO OUR PARTICIPANTS:
COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission may occur from contaminated surfaces, so it is important to frequently wash your hands.

To protect yourself and others from infection practice good hand and respiratory hygiene including:
• cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs regularly;
• covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing;
• to avoid additional contact we suggest teams don’t shake hands after games until the risk subsides;
• do not share water bottles or other items that require personal contact;
• do not share food containers between team members;
• avoiding contact with anyone who has symptoms such as fever, a cough, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath;
• staying home if you are unwell.

If you are feeling unwell, please see your doctor immediately. Before your appointment, please call ahead and advise of your symptoms and recent travel so necessary precautions can be undertaken.

Any participants who have been in contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 case must not attend any training sessions, games, trials, events or other activities conducted by BWA or any affiliated BWA Associations or Clubs until 14 days after exposure to the infected individual, providing they do not show Coronavirus symptoms.

Further information, including symptoms, may be found here.

We will continue to provide information as it comes to hand.