COVID-19: Max 20 swimmers to train in 1 session, says Sports Ministry

The Sports Ministry has issued the SOPs Standard Operating Procedure for reopening of swimming pools outside the containment zones across the country in which one of the noticeable points is that not more than 20 swimmers will be allowed to train during one particular session at the Olympicsized poolAs per SOP a maximum of 20 swimmers can train in a pool size of 50 M10 lane while 16 swimmers are permitted in 2550 m 8 lane pools Other than that swimmers will be required to furnish Obligatory self declaration and residential trainees will have to submit a mandatory COVID19 negative report before being allowed inside the premisesThe SOP released on Friday applies to all SAI and nonSAI centres wherein training of sportspersons may resume provided no orders of the local authorities prohibit such facilities to resume operationsObligatory selfdeclaration could be in the form of text message of the infectionfree condition by players and staff rejoining the centre shall be provided to COVID Task Force officers before entering the premises the document statesAccording to the document a COVID19 negative report is a must for residential trainees For residential trainees they need to produce a negative COVID report 72 hours96 hours before arrival to the centre followed by 14 days quarantine period it saidOn the 6th7th day of quarantine period another COVID test must be conducted Thereafter trainees can mix with the other quarantined trainees only and not with other trainees staying in the campus Only after completing 7 more days they can mix with other trainees it addedMoreover athletescoachesfacility staff who begin to coughsneezeabove normal temperature for any reason must move away from others until coughingsneezing dissipates In case of above normal temperature a coach or staff member should ask athletes as they come into practice specifically listing certain symptoms and send home those athletes reporting illness or experiencing symptomsUse of Arogya Setu app shall be made mandatory for all athletes and staff at the centre as per the SOPThe SOP applies to competitive swimmers coaches and support staff besides staffs of the facilities All personal training equipment belonging to an athlete shall be disinfected while the athlete is inducted into the training centre Athletes and staff shall be screened before being allowed access to common fieldofplaytraining facilities RTPCR test shall be conducted for newreturning athletes it saidAll personal training equipment belonging to an athlete shall be disinfected while the athlete is inducted into the training centre it addedThe SOP also bars residential athletes from sharing soaps towels and any other utility in common shower areas Besides spitting and clearing of nasalrespiratory secretions on the pool especially during swimming or at any place within the facility other than toilets shall be prohibitedAthletes shall also perform handhygiene before and after use of all training equipmentAdditionally swimming pool operators should have a dedicated officer responsible for COVID19 considerations making sure that they are up to date with central or local government recommendationsA COVID Task Force will also be constituted at each training centre to guide and monitor all trainees coaches and staff within the centres and it shall be responsible for overall implementation of protocols outlined in this SOP as per the guidelinesAlso while swimming swimmers will be required to maintain a distance of at least six feet and not make physical contact with others or giving a high five One also must avoid physical contact with other swimmers when taking a break Coaches are advised to follow workouts to maintain basic fitness and endurance of the swimmersAccording to the guidelines it would be the responsibility of the centre head and coach incharge to ensure complete adherence to training protocols and to secure agreement from respective athletes that any training activity undertaken shall be in full compliance to the protocols mentioned in the SOPKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever