NRL players will be told to limit interaction with fans at matches while community visits may also be cancelled as part of measures brought in to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has led the NBA to call off its season.
Starting with Thursday night’s Bankwest Stadium season-opening clash between Parramatta and Canterbury, players will be advised to limit mingling with fans prior to matches or on the field after full-time where they often interact with friends, supporters and family members to sign autographs and have photos taken.
The NBA has announced its season is on hiatus after Utah Jazz All-Star centre Rudy Gobert tested positive to COVID-19.
A set of guidelines was issued to all 16 NRL clubs on Thursday, which also includes restricting access to dressing rooms to players and match-day staff.
In the memo issued by NRL CEO Todd Greenberg to the clubs, he advised clubs to take reasonable steps to limit club-organised player contact with community organisations such as hospitals and schools.
He also advised the clubs to take the advice of their chief medical officers on enhanced medical and hygiene initiatives, such as regularly cleaning surfaces in training areas with antiseptic solutions, thorough handwashing, ensuring food preparation is done to the highest levels and preventing the sharing of water bottles.
Media will not be permitted in the sheds while host broadcasters will have access to certain areas only.
Gobert's test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of Wednesday's game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game was cancelled. Gobert was not in the arena.
The NBA has suspended all games following the conclusion of Wednesday's schedule of games until further notice. The NBA said during this hiatus it would determine its next steps in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.
Juventus defender Daniele Rugani has tested positive for COVID-19 and will undergo a 14-day quarantine, along with teammates and coaching staff with the Italian Serie A championship-winning side.
Rugani, who was on the bench in last weekend’s match against Inter Milan, is the first Italian player diagnosed with the virus but German club Hannover 96 has also announced a member of its team had COVID-19.
Editorial:
- If you are sick, please don't go to matches. The last thing we need is someone carrying the virus mixing with 25,000 other people and potentially causing a mass outbreak.
- For those going to NRL games, wash your hands regularly. The NSW chief medical officer recommends soap and water, washing your hands for 20 seconds.
- Limit your touching of communal surfaces, try to avoid touching your face. If you can't access soap and water, an alcohol based hand sanitiser can also be used.
- Face masks, unless they're P2, provide little protection as the virus is airborn and your run of the mill surgical masks will not prevent you inhaling the contaminated droplets as they do not provide a seal around the nose and mouth. Leave those masks for those with the virus and healthcare workers.
- Toilet paper will not help prevent the spread, you also can't eat it. You don't need 92 rolls of it. Have some consideration for your fellow Aussie and only buy what you need.
Replies
Not pointing the finger at anyone, but Canterbury need to stay away from schools lol
But Super, I just bought 92 rolls of toilet paper. What am I going to do with it now?
Put your sausage in the hole in the middle and you will have 92 sausage rolls lol .
lol
You're good to go to the game dude..
They'll fetch a tidy profit on the black market. I'm down to 1 and a half rolls in my house, not sure when I'll be able to get some more.
One thing the masks do actually achieve (to an extent) is that they limit on'es ability to inadvertantly touch their face, other than that they're pretty useless.
Well stated. Love the last dot point. Euphemistic but powerful...
I ran into Snake at the local Westfields earlier today. Looks like he has succumbed to all the panic buying. He was carrying a couple of very large bags and told me he was stocking up on essentials due to the outbreak.
I checked the contents of his bags:
2 x 1 litre jars of vasoline and a 500ml bulk tube of KY gel
5 litres of hand cream
3 large packs of anusol wipes
2 x boxes latex gloves (strengthened), 100 pairs per box
5 cucumbers and 6 green bananas
I asked him if he was stocking up on toilet paper, pasta and flour. He said "what the f**k for?" and wandered off toward the candle shop.
Why the panic buying ?
There's plenty to go round !!!
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