Indoor sporting bodies were breathing a sigh of relief last night as two dates were confirmed for the partial and full lifting of restrictions.
Most have been unable to operate or had to radically adapt since the restrictions were first brought in to stem the first wave of Covid in March 2020.
On September 20th activity can resume once again with a limit of 100 people where they are all vaccinated, immune having recovered in the past six months or under the age of 18.
Where the same immunity is assured spectators will also be allowed, up to a maximum of 60 per cent of normal capacity and once all are fully seated.
Where no checks are undertaken or there is a known mixed level of immunity, pods of six will still be imposed, with what it describes as ‘substantial social distance between them.
With 90 per cent plus of the adult population now vaccinated that should not pose too much of a challenge, though will be seen by those opposed to the vaccine as trying to force their hand.
On October 22nd it is planned that the majority of restrictions will be replaced by guidance on how sporting organisations and venues should operate with public health in mind.
Basketball Ireland was the first sporting body to respond.
“We will issue a full breakdown of the new restrictions later this week to our basketball community, so they can plan in anticipation of September 20th,” said the Chair of its ‘Return to Play’ group, Charles Higgins.
“We shall also be seeking clarifications from Sport Ireland on some of the guidelines issued by the government today.”
“I really want to express my gratitude to the basketball community who have persevered throughout this elongated period without the sport. They have shown huge resilience, adapting to outdoor basketball when indoor wasn’t possible. Now the reward is there and there is huge excitement to finally get the chance to be back indoors on a court and get our sport up and running fully again.”
“I’d also like to thank my fellow members of the ‘Return to Play’ group who have helped navigate our sport through this torrid time, with situations changing regularly. We have tried to guide our basketball community through it all as best as possible and we shall continue to do so.”
“This has been a long arduous 17 months or so for the basketball community,” added interim CEO, Paddy Boyd.
“Our clubs, players, officials and volunteers have suffered and to finally have a return date for all levels of our sport is excellent news.”
“The fact that our clubs can have spectators at events, up to 60% of venue capacity, is brilliant. It is great timing with our senior National League sides allowed to resume pre-season fixtures from September 13th and the National League starting from October 9th/10th.”
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