The following was received from FNSW this afternoon:
 
Last night the NSW Government released their updated Public Health Order (PHO) – linked here.
 
There are restrictions that will apply to all of Greater Sydney, as defined in the map linked here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/greater-sydney#greater-sydney-map
 
The key message is that clubs can continue to conduct football activities but that existing COVID-19 Safety Plans be reviewed and that steps are taken to ensure compliance with rules around masks, movement and social distancing.
 
Masks:
Anyone attending football matches or training must wear a mask.
 
People may remove their mask only for strenuous physical exercise (e.g. to warm up, train, play or referee), or when eating or drinking, and must put their masks back on at all other times, including spectators, coaches, managers, substitutes etc.
 
Similar to earlier orders, there are other exemptions that apply including for children under 12, people with autism or intellectual disabilities and other health conditions.
 
More detail is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/public-health-orders.aspx#face-coverings
 
Movement:
People who either live or work in seven named LGAs (Bayside, City of Sydney, Canada Bay, Inner West, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra) may not leave the Metropolitan area (as defined in the linked map: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/greater-sydney#metropolitan-sydney-map) without a “reasonable excuse” (see Schedule 1 of the PHO).
 
The practical meaning of this as it affects football is that if you live or work in one of these areas, you cannot play football outside of the Metropolitan area.
(As NWSF venues are wholly within the metro area then this is not relevant for us)
 
There is no restriction on people entering Metropolitan Sydney from outside that area (so someone can come from the Blue Mountains to play football in Penrith, for example). 
 
Social distancing:
Capacity restrictions now apply so that indoor spaces must have no more than one person per 4 sq metres, and masking also applies. It is recommended that meeting rooms/function spaces are not used.
 
Compliant use of change rooms is now likely to be impractical, and Football NSW recommends that it is a commonsense step to close change rooms.
 
Dugouts can again only be used with appropriate social distancing.
 
We will send a newsletter to all participants and post on social media with this information and a reminder of Covid safe practices as below:
 
Clubs are encouraged to have participants use the QR Code check-in system at their venues, and re-visit their Covid Safety Plans.
 
TRAINING
The following recommendations apply to TRAINING.

Observe hand hygiene practices before and after participating in training.

Do not share drinks or drink bottles.

No spitting (on or around the park or on gloves)

Observe social distancing practices (1.5 metres between players) where practical.

Parents and spectators are discouraged from attending and remain socially distant.

Minimise sharing of equipment (particularly the handling of cones, ropes, weights etc)

Meetings indoors must comply with the requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm and all participants must wear masks

Change-rooms should not used.

Social activity before and after training is discouraged.  We recommend arrival 15 minutes prior and departure immediately after training.

PLAYING
The following recommendations apply to PLAYING.

Observe hand hygiene practices before and after participating in a game.

No handshakes prior to the start or at the end of a match.

Team huddles, handshakes and high-fives and multi-player celebrations are discouraged.

Do not share drinks or drink bottles.

No spitting (on or around the park or on gloves)

Spectators observe social distancing and encouraged to wear masks where practical.

Parents and spectators are asked to limit attendance where possible, particularly those at higher risk.

Change-rooms should not be used.

Meetings indoors must comply with the requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm and all participants must wear masks

Team benches organised to 1.5 metres between coaching staff and substitutes.

Social activity before and after matches is discouraged. We recommend arrival on-time prior and departure soon after games.

Clubs operating canteens and BBQs are reminded to follow their Covid-safe plans and practices.

 
And confirming that matches will proceed this weekend