Update #6 | 20th March 2020 5:30 PM
COVID – 19 Update | Message from SA Recreation and SportUpdate #5 | 18th March 2020 6:00 PM
Following on from our previous updates on the coronavirus situation, the Board of Little Athletics SA wishes to advise Little Athletics Centres that the 2020 State Cross Country Championships, 2020 State Race Walking Championships and 2020 SA Athletics Academy are suspended until further notice, due to the evolving situation of COVID-19. The Board will continue to assess the situation and provide further advice. At this stage, we will shut our registrations portal to avoid any further registrations in any of these events.
This difficult decision was not taken lightly and has been made in line with the latest Federal and State Government expert health advice, regarding non-essential gatherings and social distancing practices. If the situation changes SALAA will update you on our advice.
We provide this direction in the best interest of the health and well-being of our Little Athletics community. Please note that there will be further updates on other issues and these may change frequently over the coming weeks and months as we are dealing with this unprecedented crisis. We encourage our members and centers to keep an eye on our social media handles, website and emails to stay abreast with the latest updates.
Update #4 | 18th March 2020 11:30 PM
Little Athletics SA has been advised by the Board of Little Athletics Australia that the 2020 Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC) has been cancelled due to the evolving situation of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This decision aligns with the ACT Government’s state of emergency advice regarding non-essential mass gatherings issued earlier this week.
We understand that LAA has taken this decision in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of our Little Athletics community. The decision is based on the current threat of Coronavirus impacting the health and welfare of our athletics community and Australians broadly.
Little Athletics SA will be announcing and recognising the efforts of those athletes who would have represented our State Team on our Social Media handles and website soon. Our admin staff will soon contact the Athletes selected for State Team via email/phone.
Read full news here – https://salaa.org.au/statement-to-the-little-ath…/
Update #3 | 13th March 2020 6:50 PM
Message from SA Recreation and Sport:
Currently, ORSR’s advice around sporting events and other public gatherings is that they can still go ahead, and people should go about their lives as normal.
The Australian Government has declared that all non-essential public gatherings of more than 500 people should be suspended from Monday 16 March 2020 (excluding schools, universities, public transport or airports).
ORSR encourages South Australians to be active, continue playing sport and participate in recreational activities, particularly outdoors and in well-ventilated areas.
Getting active and participating in sport and recreation, provides a number of physical, mental and social benefits and helps to keep communities connected.
ORSR is reviewing the situation daily and will continue to provide up-to-date information to the community and event organisers
Full news article: https://www.orsr.sa.gov.au/events_courses/_recache?a=28302
Update #2 | 13th March 2020 4:30 PM
The Federal Government today has announced that from Monday, 16th March 2020, it is advised that ‘non-essential, organised gatherings’ of 500 people or more should not be run.
With this advice in mind Little Athletics SA will proceed with 2020 State Individual Championships on Saturday and Sunday.
Little Athletics SA will continue to monitor any updates and will act in accordance with further government recommendations.
Little Athletics SA would also like to advise that measures are being put in place to minimise the risk of contact between persons.
– Medal presentations will be run from the center of the ground instead of small confined area.
– The presentations will not have any person-to-person contact.
– Disinfectant and wipes will be utilised throughout the weekend.
– Stadium management has advised that all bathrooms will have a surplus supply of hand-towels and soap.
We strongly encourage everyone to practice good hygiene and wash their hands often with soap and water.
See WHO’s recommendations here –
https://www.who.int/…/novel-coronavirus-2…/advice-for-public
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee recommends that:
• people who are unwell with cough or fever or other respiratory symptoms should not attend public events or gatherings
• people who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or who returned from or transited through a listed high-risk country, must not attend public gatherings until 14 days after leaving the country or having contact with a confirmed case even if they are completely symptom-free
Little Athletics SA will continue to keep the public informed as updates become available. For the most up-to-date information, please keep an eye on our Facebook Page.
Update #1 | 13th March 2020 11:45 AM
Little Athletics South Australia is closely monitoring the developing events, regarding the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this point in time, the 2020 State Individual Championships will proceed as planned. Advice is continually being sourced from the Government and we will update you should the situation change.
We are putting measures in place to ensure everyone can still enjoy what is sure to be a fantastic weekend of events! The following is also recommended for everyone:
– Bring your own hand sanitizer or wipes for personal use.
– Ensure your family washes their hands after using the bathroom facilities.
If you have travelled internationally in the past 14 days, or are feeling unwell, we ask that you please do not attend this weekend’s Championships.
If any further updates occur, be sure to keep an eye on our social media and your emails.
Thank you all and we can’t wait for another exciting championships!