Safe Return to Gaelic Games – Update July 15th

The GAA yesterday outlined their Covid-19 policy for clubs - see attached, where a differentiation is being made between close contacts and casual contacts.

With dressing rooms and club facilities to remain closed for the time being, and transmission believed to be 19 times more likely in indoor settings, team-mates of a player who has tested positive will be deemed as 'casual contacts' - unless it can be established they've been in close contact, most likely by being in a car or through a social setting outside of club activity. Guidelines to supporters attending club GAA games ahead of Friday's return to action were also issued. ·

All supporters are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitiser and the use of face coverings is strongly advised for all patrons over the age of 13. ·

Supporters must not enter the field of play at any time including pre-match, at half-time and other intervals and after the final whistle or at end-of-match presentations and should keep their own record of contacts at a match for potential tracing purposes · All are asked to download the HSE tracing app. · Capacity will be capped at all grounds - it will be 200 for this coming weekend and commencing July 20 in accordance with the Government of Ireland Revised Roadmap, a maximum gathering of 500 persons is permitted. The figure of 500 includes all present at the ground, including staff, volunteers, players, backroom staff, media, contractors, and spectators of all ages ·

Where small groups of people are attending games, members of these should wherever possible be from the same household Individuals and small groups should remain insofar as possible in the same area for the duration of the game, remain 2m apart and avoid intermingling with other individuals or groups ·

Before, between and after games it is essential that spectators do not congregate in groups in the vicinity of the grounds as social distancing and contact tracing measures will be compromised and the potential risk of transmission higher. · Supporters must not attend games if they display any symptoms of Covid-19 and instead should phone their GP and follow public health advice and individuals that are considered high risk or are in close contact with others who are considered high risk should not attend games

The GAA have also issued an updated version of the Covid-19 Guidelines on Safe Return to Gaelic Games There is now a section on Covid 19 Roles & Responsibilities (which can be found at learning.gaa.ie) containing the following documents Players'Roles & Responsibilities Team Personnel Roles & Responsibilities Covid Supervisor Roles & Responsibilities Parent & Guardians Roles & Responsibilities Referee Role Overview Dealing with a positive case