2505/2021

COVID-19 Update – 25 May, 2021: La Trobe Sport facilities to remain open with extra restrictions

In response to the Victorian Government’s announcement on Tuesday regarding new coronavirus restrictions for Greater Melbourne, La Trobe Sport wishes to advise that its sport and active recreation facilities on the Bundoora Campus will remain open.

Under the current level of restrictions announced on Tuesday morning, there are no changes to the rules pertaining to community sport participation and active recreation. There are however additional measures which will be strictly enforced at the La Trobe Sports Park Stadium, the Indoor Sports Centre and all other indoor facilities at the La Trobe Sports Park to ensure we are complying with the latest social distancing restrictions.

From 6:00pm tonight (Tuesday 25 May), all visitors entering indoor La Trobe Sport facilities will need to:

  • Wear a mask upon entering an indoor facility and keep it on at all times. Exceptions to this rule include those under the age of 12, those who have an exemption due to a medical condition or those who are participating in physical activity. Those without a mask will be denied entry to our indoor facilities and those who are found to be not wearing a mask while inside our facilities (with the exception of those outlined above) will be asked to leave the premises.
  • Sign in via the QR codes provided on entry to our facilities. Simply scan the QR code at the front door or at the reception of each of our facilities that you visit, which will take you to the La Trobe University in-house system to sign in for contract tracing purposes.

The above restrictions will remain in place until Friday 4 June or unless otherwise advised.

We kindly ask all patrons visiting our facilities to show patience and respect for our staff as we all navigate the updated government restrictions which have been imposed at short notice to keep us safe from the spread of COVID-19.

If you feel even slightly unwell with respiratory symptoms, please do not visit our facilities. Immediately self-isolate and call the Department of Health COVID hotline (1800 675 398) to find out how to get tested, then self-isolate and stay home until you receive the result.

The Victorian Government published new COVID exposure sites overnight, including in Brunswick, Reservoir and Epping. Some sites date back to last Tuesday afternoon. For more information see the Department of Health website. If you have attended any of these sites, please follow the public health directions.

La Trobe Sport, in conjunction with the University, will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and will provide updates as per Victorian Government guidelines. Stay tuned to the La Trobe Sport website and La Trobe Sport Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

For more information on how the new restrictions will specifically affect our sport facility patrons, affiliated clubs and other user groups, please consult the FAQs below.

FAQs

Q: If I am a parent or guardian of a child playing sport at a La Trobe Sport facility, am I still allowed to come inside and spectate?

A: Yes. Parents, guardians and siblings are welcome to come inside so long as they are following social distancing measures and wearing a mask.

Q: If I am a coach, team manager or another support staff member, do I have to wear a mask inside the facility?

A: Yes. Unless you are participating in physical activity, such as playing sport or exercising in the gym, you must wear a mask indoors.

Q: If I am playing sport or exercising, do I have to wear a mask?

A: No. You must wear your mask inside our facilities if you are not participating in physical activity (including immediately before and after your game or workout), but you are allowed to take it off while playing sport or exercising.

Q: If I forget my mask, will La Trobe Sport have any spares at reception?

A: No, we will not be providing face masks. You are asked to bring your own and will be refused entry if you fail to bring one.

Q: Should I arrive a little earlier to my scheduled game or booking time now these additional restrictions are in place?

A: Yes. Given the QR code sign in process to our facilities will be strictly enforced by our staff, La Trobe Sport advises that you arrive slightly earlier to ensure you have plenty of time to check in prior to your game or work out.

We kindly ask all patrons visiting our facilities to show patience and respect for our staff as we all navigate the updated government restrictions which have been imposed at short notice to keep us safe from the spread of COVID-19.

Q: If restrictions are in place for a maximum of 30 people for a public gathering, how can La Trobe Sport still operate its facilities and conduct sporting competitions?

A: The Victorian Government has advised that there are no changes to community sport participation and active recreation. The restriction of 30 people for a public gathering only comes into play in instances where there is no QR code check in process involved.

Q: Why does La Trobe Sport and La Trobe University not use the Service Victoria QR code service for electronic record-keeping?

A: The tertiary education sector has had additional requirements placed on its QR code service systems by the Victorian Government, which requires La Trobe University to collect both a contact number and email for all visitors to our facilities.

As a result, La Trobe University has decided to keep operating its inhouse system which is connected to the Application Programming Interface (API) that feeds directly into the Victorian Government’s database to assist with contract tracing.

Q: If I am coming from regional Victoria to visit a La Trobe Sport indoor facility, will I be able to travel back home?

A: Yes. Victorians who visit Greater Melbourne and need to travel back to regional Victoria can still do so, but the current restrictions in place in Greater Melbourne will travel with the person.

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