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SINGAPORE: Groups of up to eight people will be allowed for sporting activities when Singapore enters Phase 3 of its reopening next Monday (December 28), compared to five people previously, Sport Singapore (SportSG) said on Thursday.
An additional service provider, such as an instructor or trainer, from a licensed company can also guide the group through organized programs and classes.
This means that team sports such as basketball, soccer, sepak takraw, hockey, and volleyball can now be resumed in a 4v4 format. Up to eight rowers are also allowed on a dragon boat.
People should keep a distance of 2 m or two arms while exercising or playing sports, SportSG said in an advisory.
If there is more than one group sharing a space, the groups must not interact and must maintain a distance of 3 m from each other at all times.
A distance of 3 m should also be maintained for high-intensity or high-movement indoor exercise classes.
“It is not yet time for a 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2 formation (for football), but this gives sports fans some additional options,” said the Minister of Culture, Community and Youth. and Second Minister of Law, Edwin. Tong in a Facebook post on Thursday.
READ: Singapore to begin Phase 3 of COVID-19 reopening on December 28
READ: Combat sports with extended body contact are now allowed, subject to a limit of 5 people per group
All sporting and recreational activities were able to resume at the reopening of Phase 2 in Singapore in June. Combat sports involving extensive body grip, such as wrestling, mixed martial arts and jujitsu, were also allowed to resume in November.
In Phase 3, SportSG said, the maximum number of people allowed in each facility will be limited according to its gross floor area, based on 8 square meters per person or 50 people, whichever is less.
This applies to all exterior, interior and protected facilities larger than 64 square meters. The limit is imposed to “minimize the risk of the formation of large conglomerates.”
“No facility, regardless of size, will admit more than 50 people without specific approval from Sport Singapore.
“Applications for such approval can be considered for large facilities that can be organized into separate facilities, each with its own limit,” SportSG said.
APPOINT A SECURE MANAGEMENT OFFICER AS PART OF SECURE MANAGEMENT MEASURES
Facility operators should also implement safe handling measures prior to the opening of their sports and recreational facilities to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection.
SportSG said operators should appoint a high-level member of staff as a safe management officer to ensure safe management measures are followed.
READ: COVID-19: Social gatherings of up to 8 people allowed starting December 28, additional reopening of activities in Phase 3
“The safe management officer will be responsible for formulating implementation plans, conducting inspections and verifications, as well as keeping records for subsequent audits by authorities,” he said.
Other safe management measures include implementing SafeEntry for visitors and participants to facilitate contact tracing, temperature sensing and controls, as well as ensuring safe distancing.
Operators must also avoid overcrowded facilities and frequently disinfect common spaces and interactive components such as smart kiosks and turnstiles. The equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and cleaned after use.
Indoor spaces should be kept well ventilated. For non-air-conditioned spaces, windows should be kept open and additional fans should be installed.
ActiveSG stadiums, studios, gyms, indoor sports halls and swimming complexes remain open to the public.
Reservations for ActiveSG and dual-use scheme installations can be made through the ActiveSG app or at mvactivesg.com.
READ: School Sports Facilities Selected to Reopen for Public Use Beginning November 21
Members of the public are advised to strictly follow the safe management measures in place at the facility and adhere to the instructions of ActiveSG staff for their well-being, SportSG said.
MORE OPEN SPACES TO REOPEN FOR PUBLIC USE
In addition to ActiveSG stadiums, lawns, playing fields and open spaces in state parks and lands under the National Parks Board and the Singapore Land Authority will reopen for public use, SportSG said.
In these spaces you can practice sports and physical exercise in an organized group.
“Citizens are advised to be socially responsible when using these shared spaces and to observe these safe management measures,” he said.
Compliance officers and safe distancing ambassadors will continue to be deployed to Singapore to ensure compliance is carried out.
READ: COVID-19: Singapore to pilot pre-event rapid tests from mid-October so more events can safely resume
Older-centered activities can also continue into Phase 3 with safe management measures in place.
SportSG said that government agencies will conduct inspections after Phase 3 reopening.
“Organizers and operators of fitness activities should only resume operations when
can meet safe management measures, “said SportSG.
They must also submit the number of workers who are working on the site through the GoBusiness portal and have a secure management plan that covers the measures relevant to their operations within two weeks of resuming operations on the site.
“Sport Singapore will carry out on-site inspections, where companies that fail to comply with safe management measures may have to close,” he said.
Mr. Tong said, “Sport is vital to our physical and mental well-being, and as an enjoyable recreational activity.
“We want to make sure that more Singaporeans can play and enjoy the sport safely.”
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