ACHILLES INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA  - (SYDNEY CHAPTER)
COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN
 
The purpose of this plan is to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among our members and the broader community.
 
The plan is shaped by the Australian Institute of Sport Framework for Rebooting Sports in a COVID-19 Environment and advice received from the NSW Department of Health, Athletics Australia and Blind Sports Australia.
 
The COVID-19 Safety Coordinator is Cindy Skacel
Email:          cindy@achillesaustralia.org.au
Mob:             0417 254 561.
 
The COVID-19 Safety Coordinator will be the point of contact for all COVID-19 related matters.
 The Achilles Committee will be responsible for compliance and education.
 
SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
 

• COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person by direct or close contact or by touching objects that already have the virus on them.
• Alcohol based sanitiser can kill the virus.
• Achilles members may be particularly vulnerable due to pre-existing medical conditions so attention to methods to reduce the risk is paramount.

 
 
APPROVAL TO COMMENCE TRAINING
 

• Approval from Dr Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer NSW
• Support and advice from COVID-19 Sports and Health Advisory Committee
• Advice from the AIS Framework for Rebooting in a COVID-19 Environment

 
 Everyone involved will be advised not to attend training if they are :

• feeling unwell
• have any symptoms of COVID-19, ie sore throat, fever, cough
• having returned from overseas or other hotspot within the last 2 weeks
• have been in contact with a person who has COVID-19
• are awaiting results from a COVID 19 test

 
 
POST COVID-19 TRAINING FORMAT
 

• Social distancing.  When gathering at any time, observe social distancing guidelines.  Groups of limited numbers to gather in demarcated areas.  Appropriate /advised distancing to be observed whilst training.
• Guides will be allocated at each training session.
• Members and guides will be asked to assemble in groups of not more than 50.
• Members will advise their intention to attend training so that guides can be allocated.
• Guide dogs will be allocated a dog handler.
• Socialising after training is permitted in groups not exceeding 50.

 
HYGIENE CONTROL
 

• The club will provide hand sanitiser.  All personnel will use this on arrival
• The club will provide and clean all tethers.
• Members and guides are advised to bring minimal belongings.  These will be stored in cars.
• Everyone will bring their own hydration system/drinks.
• Training will be hug-free, handshake-free, high five-free, etc.
• Spitting and/or clearing of nasal passages is prohibited.

 
 WHILE EXERCISING
 

• Guides are encouraged to choose less busy routes and avoid other community members as much as possible.
• The 2 people in a pair can be closer than 1.5 m to each other.
• Any other accompanying guides must be at least 1.5 m apart from others.
• Pairs must be at least 1.5m apart from other pairs.

 
 TRANSPORT
 

• An appropriate car lift scheme will be employed.  Attempts will be made to recruit drivers/lift givers. 
• Social distancing will be observed in the vehicle whenever possible.
• Cars will be sanitised before and after giving lifts.

 REPORTING
 

• Achilles will keep records of attendance and pairings/groups
• All participants will be encouraged to download the COVID Safe app.
• Participants are responsible for notifying the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator if they have been in contact with a person with COVID-19 or they have tested positive.
• The coordinator will liaise with the NSW Department of Health if contact tracing is required.

 
Additional, detailed advice will be issued from time to time and such advice will be seen as part of the COVID Safety Plan
 
 
Draft 4:  1st March 2021




 
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