Published – Thursday March 12, 6pm.
Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) would like to assure our members, clients, suppliers and partners that we are monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information and advice closely.
The situation is constantly evolving all around the world and the health and wellbeing of the SMA network is paramount and will be at the forefront of any decision made.
Based on current advice at this stage, all SMA courses, events and conferences will go ahead as planned. To review our course and event schedule, click here.
SMA will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly on advice from our medical experts, the Australian Government and Sport Australia.
Should public health advice and this position change, we will update our network immediately.
We will be working closely with stakeholders to ensure the most relevant and timely information is on hand and distributed as efficiently as possible.
We ask that all SMA members, students, event delegates, suppliers and partners:
Practice high levels of hygiene as per the government guidelines. Good hygiene includes:
• Washing your hands often (and for 20 seconds) with soap and water
• Using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Avoiding close contact with others, such as touching, including shaking hands
• Sport specific hygiene is also extremely important with emphasis on not sharing drink bottles and towels. You can read more about protective measures against coronavirus on the World Health Organisation website: www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Follow the Department of Health Advice about self-isolating, to reduce the risk of Coronavirus spreading and inform SMA if this will affect a course or event that you are scheduled to attend.
Note this advice is changing regularly, please stay updated here:
www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-isolation-guidance
• If you have left or transited through mainland China or Iran in the last 14 days, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date of leaving mainland China/Iran.
• If you have left or transited through the Republic of Korea on or after 5 March 2020 you must isolate yourself for 14 days after the date of leaving the Republic of Korea.
• If you have left or transited through Italy on or after 11 March 2020 you must isolate yourself for 14 days after the date of leaving Italy
• If you have been in close contact with a proven case of coronavirus, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date of last contact with the confirmed case.
If you become unwell and think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, please avoid attending an event or public gathering until you seek medical attention. If you cannot see your GP, call the nationwide 24-hour Coronavirus hotline 1300 675 398
The Australian Institute of Sport has set up an information portal relating to COVID-19 and sporting activity, click here.