COVID-19: University sports postponed
JOBURG – University Sports South Africa postpones all its events for the next two months.
University Sport South Africa (USSA) has postponed all its events in March and April until further notice.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster due to the coronavirus pandemic. New laws have been put in place to slow the spread of the virus and sport governing bodies were also getting on board by postponing or cancelling their major events.
Many universities have closed in hope of slowing the spread of the virus.
The FNB Varsity Cup has been suspended and in a statement issued by USSA on 16 March, its secretary general and CEO, Louis Nel said USSA would closely monitor the situation and reconvene on 20 April to decide on the way forward.
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“We wish to emphasise that these are precautionary measures to curtail the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of our athletes, official, administrators, staff and spectators,” Nel said.
USSA advised athletes who were healthy to continue training but change their routines in line with South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s own tips to help combat the spread of the virus.
This includes training in smaller groups, go to training venues when they are less busy, take precautionary measures such as hand washing, sanitising and avoiding physical contact.
“Athletes who have any symptoms of respiratory or other illness are advised to refrain from training until symptoms resolve or medical advice is obtained. If an athlete has recently travelled to an area with coronavirus [Covid-19] and displays any signs and symptoms of respiratory illness [sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath], please contact the South Africa Covid-19 hotline on 0800 029 999.”
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