COVID-19 Update #7

Posted May 11, 2020
IHNZ News

Sport NZ has further clarified some of the details around Alert Level 2 with the following table has been published.
https://sportnz.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Play-Active-Recreation-and-Sport-at-Alert-Level-2.pdf

As previously advised, the 10 person gathering limit does apply to all community sport and this limit will be reviewed on 25 May. At this point, subject to New Zealand’s continued containment of COVID-19, the limits may be increased which could enable full training and competition environments to restart.

From Thursday, sports teams can train or play subject to the combined number of players, coaches and/or officials not exceeding 10 and appropriate physical distancing guidelines being observed.

We fully acknowledge that the limit affects any play, recreation or sport environment where more than 10 people might come together including events. To support your planning, we have added some guidance from Sport NZ to help you understand the impact of the restriction on different operational settings.

Guidance Around Gatherings

• Gatherings must be restricted to a maximum of 10 people (both indoor and outdoor facilities). For sport and recreation, a gathering includes spectators, players, officials and support staff.
• All indoor and outdoor facilities will need to restrict entry to a maximum of 10 people per group. This limit will still need to be considered in the context of maintaining the 2 metre physical distancing requirement between groups.
• Care must be taken to avoid more than 10 people congregating at communal points such as entries and car parks, and to maintain physical distancing of 2m between groups. Phasing of activities is recommended to allow time for people to pass through these areas safely.
• Spectators should be limited or asked not to attend for now. If spectators are permitted, in order to know who attended, it is recommended that they be asked to register in advance.
• Spectators should be physically distanced through seating allocation or marking out of standing areas. Areas for spectators should be clearly marked out for each court/area to prevent mingling with other groups in the same facility.
• Gathering restrictions do not apply to professional athletes, and the officials or support staff supporting these athletes. These are considered to be controlled workplaces which means there are separate guidelines that are applicable.

Other Important Information - Small Business Cashflow Scheme:
Government has introduced the Small Business Cashflow (Loan) Scheme to support businesses and organisations struggling because of loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19. The eligibility criteria has been announced.
https://www.ird.govt.nz/covid-19/business-and-organisations/small-business-cash-flow-loan?mc_cid=a39e21e2bc&mc_eid=347c797b50

The key points are:

• Your business or organisation must have 50 or fewer full time equivalent employees and be eligible for the Wage Subsidy Scheme. 
• You must have an ongoing  viable business plan and be able to to verify this. 

Applications are open from 12 May 2020 up to 12 June 2020.

Funds will be received within five working days and IRD will administer the payments. The loan has a five year term and must be repaid by 31 July 2025. The annual interest rate is 3% but will not be charged if the loan is repaid within one year. In most cases businesses will be able to borrow $10,000 plus $1,800 per full time equivalent employee to a maximum of $100,000.

Communication:
We will continue to develop our guidelines and have these out as soon as possible.

Any questions or queries please forward to gm@inlinehockeynz.org.nz.

Stay safe all,
Regards
IHNZ Board