New Zealand cricketers cleared for nets, fans ready for Super Rugby
New Zealand Sports Minister Grant Robertson assures cricket will resume in summer, requests fans to cough in their elbow at Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Published : Jun 12, 2020 18:49 IST
New Zealand declared itself a coronavirus-free nation and lifted most of its lockdown restrictions. This weekend, rugby union is set to return and what separates the sport from other disciplines that have resumed elsewhere is the presence of fans.
At least 20,000 people are expected to pack the stands in Dunedin when the Highlanders host the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Aotearoa — the first sports event with spectators since mid-March — on Saturday. In an interview with Sportstar , Grant Robertson, Minister for Sport and Recreation, New Zealand, assures that cricket will resume in summer. He spelled out the guidelines for fans in stadiums, the recovery plan post the COVID-19 pandemic and why hosting international sports is not a possibility at the moment. Super Rugby is going to be the first sports event with fans after three months. What are the rules and regulations that are going to be followed at the ground? Event organisers have been asked to sign up to the COVID Code which sets out good practice for hosting safe events at Alert Level 1. Spectators are asked to ensure they stay away from the event if they are sick, ensure they wash their hands regularly, and that if they cough they do so into their elbow.
QR codes will be available so that people can keep an individual contact tracing record. What about the players? For players, there are health and safety protocols that ensure, as far as possible, they remain healthy and virus free. All players are monitored on a daily basis by the team doctor for any symptoms and are referred for testing if they develop any cold or flu like symptoms. All Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa games will be played under regular Alert Level 1 health guidelines. What are the chances of New Zealand offering its venues to other nations for sports tournaments? At this point in time New Zealand’s borders remain closed to non-New Zealand nationals entering the country so there are currently no confirmed sport tournaments to be hosted in New Zealand by other countries.
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Yes, all sports and active recreation activities that were previously enjoyed in New Zealand can now be undertaken in Alert Level 1.
When is cricket likely to start in the country? Can all players train and hit the nets now? Cricket will start in our summer season and players should they wish to get ahead of the game can start hitting the nets now.