Health Update

14 Mar 2020 by Laurel Irvine

Dear LVSL clubs

By now you would have seen the government’s latest announcement on mass gatherings. As stated in our earlier comms the LVSL will be guided by Football Victoria and the Department of Health and Human Services in regards to the playing of our competitions. At this stage it is business as planned for this weekend.
 
We understand there may be some concern in your club with regard to the COVID-19 virus. Please be assured that the Department of Health and Human Services and Football Victoria  are sending regular updates and advice to all stakeholders.

Currently the best advice regarding COVID-19 is to maintain good hygiene practices – washing hands thoroughly with soap, avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose and mouth) and sneezing into tissues (or your elbow if you have to). We would encourage you to discuss the importance of good hygiene practices with your players/members(in particular junior players) and provide them with hand sanitiser, encourage the non sharing of drink bottles etc.

If you or someone close to you are unwell, you should seek the guidance of a medical practitioner. It is natural that we may suspect that colds or coughs are more serious during this time, however, maintaining a calm response with your club members will help ease their fears and concerns.

Again, seeking medical advice, is the most appropriate course of action.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 and/or instances where individuals have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are reportable to the Department of Health and Human Services.  We also ask that you please inform the LVSL if there is a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 in your families or club.

Competition suspension/cancelation will only occur on the recommendation of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and Football Victoria.

If you or a club member are planning on travelling over the school break, we would encourage you to exercise good hygiene and seek medical advice immediately if you are unwell. There is currently no advice in place for players returning to competition from overseas EXCEPT where players/club members have returned from countries with significant outbreaks. 

Check the government’s Smart Traveller website for advice.

Again we would like to reiterate that as any further advice comes to hand from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and Football Victoria we will disperse this to our clubs and stakeholders.

Allan Roberts
LVSL President

For further helpful information regarding COVID-19:
https://www.health.gov.au/    and https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus

Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.

Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.

Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.

Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.

Don’t wear a face mask if you are well.

Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.

Get the flu shot (available April).

Shaking hands and hugging is optional when you are greeting someone!

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