Gyms to remain closed but Zimbabwe framework will have 21 sports back training soon

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation along with the Sports and Recreation Commission has released a framework which will allow sporting codes to come get back to training as restrictions on the Covid-19 lockdown continue to be relaxed.

The document classifies sports into low risk, medium risk and high risk depending on how likely physical contact can be avoided.

Under low risk are cricket, squash, darts, golf, archery, pool, swimming, cycling, equestrian, drafts, chess, tennis, polo, motor sport/bmx, table tennis, goal ball, fencing, equestrian, shooting, rowing and athletics.

Under medium risk are badminton, baseball, lawn bowls, softball, triathlon, weightlifting and gymnastics.

Under high risk are soccer, wrestling, boxing, rugby, basketball, taekwondo, netball, water polo, judo, handball and field hockey

The Ministry said it would work with medical experts and those implementing for the measures below.

Key Consideration for resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities
➢ Daily health checks of competitors – temperature checks;
➢ Physical (at least 1 m separation of competitors, officials and support staff);
➢ Thorough disinfection and cleaning after and between competitions;
➢ Sharing of equipment should be prohibited in particular ensuring that water bottles and cups are not shared;
➢ Consider safe utilization of closed containers for all disposable and reusable hygiene materials eg tissues, towels etc;
➢ Daily symptom checks on athletes and coaches;
➢ Masks, alcohol-based sanitizer and wipes should be made available and ready for use by athletes and officials;
➢ Ensure that athletes wash hands often with soap and running water / sanitizer;
➢ Hand sanitizer station should be available throughout the event;
➢ Gloves should be worn by team and event staff handling towels or laundry in the team environment; and
➢ Athletes should not share clothing or other personal items.
Gyms and Sport Clubs
Gyms
➢ They are still considered to be high risk due to their nature of operations they will not be allowed to open due to high risk involved, but they will be allowed to submit their proposed plan for re-opening along with other high risk sports codes.
Sport Clubs
➢ They will be opened but with conditions that for example Royal Harare Golf Club, their bathrooms will be open but the use of showers will not be permitted, the bars will remain closed and restaurants will only be allowed
to sell take away foods.