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A MESSAGE FROM BASKETBALL WA REGARDING
THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
(11 MARCH 2020)

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.

Presently there are no restrictions on events where large numbers of people congregate, but 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.

Basketball WA will provide additional information to our members as it becomes available and to keeping our community updated on any disruptions to the delivery of regular programs or events, should they occur. The health and well-being of our participants is our highest priority, but it is important that people remain calm and act on the best health advice available.

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.