Officials wary of Covid-19
Fans over the age of 60 with health conditions warned to stay at home
DIGICEL Cup organisers have warned that persons over the age of 60 years and with underlying health conditions will be denied entry into Sir John Guise Stadium for the finals.
The measure is part of the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition’s efforts to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Port Moresby.
The month-long finals start on Sunday with sudden-death matches between the Hela Wigmen and Enga Mioks (1pm kick-off), and hosts Port Moresby Vipers and Mendi Muruks (3.30pm).
“While we would gladly appreciate your presence to the games, we are also mindful of the risks that may be posed in contracting the virus,” competition manager Stanley
Hondina said in a statement yesterday.
“I urge you (those over the age of 60 years and with underlying health conditions) not to attend but stay in the comfort of your homes and watch it on TV Wan Plus.”
He said the measure had been set by the national pandemic controller for the safety of everyone.
“Security personnel at the gates have been informed that those aged 60 and over who may look sick and vulnerable will be refused entry even if they have a ticket,” Hondina said.
“We are doing our part to ensure that the safety and health of every individual is paramount as we all go through these trying times to battle the pandemic.”
He said tickets for Sunday’s matches would go on sale from today at the two Digicel kiosks at Vision City, Waigani and the Digicel Headquarters in Gordon.
Minor premiers Rabaul Gurias and defending champions Lae Tigers, who face off next Sunday, are on a bye.
3 comments
The city has the greatest number of COVID-19 cases in the country,especially in the National capital, even we all don’t know who has the virus with them, 60 yrs or any age group. Social distancing is still a problem that has to be profoundly adhere to. Referring to NRL matches the stadiums are empty except for officials and a few family members. My advice is please have PPE; face mask sanitiser with you and maintain the required distance 1.5m do not be to over- excited about the game and forget.
PNGNRL must not be biased in disallowing Senior Citizens from watching their favorite game as well as forfeiting their tickets for the game on the games day. As a senior citizen I appreciate your concern for us but at the same time you have deprived us of our right to enjoy the game we love to watch. Have you really run out of better options than to deny us of watching the games.
There are safe Covid-19 protocols, such as the use of PPEs, Social Distancing, Providing Hand Sanitizers, Doing Thermal or Temperature checks and so on, creating a good atmosphere for all. To say that Senior Citizens are not welcome is a slap in the face and we are not happy. Remember we have worked hard to bring the country to where it is today we can not be taken for granted.
National Leaders in any organization must use wisdom to make wise decisions because our decisions can affect others in one way or another. I hope you will be more wise when making more decisions in the future. Thank-you.
If you are keen of stopping the spread of covid 19, just broadcast the finals on our national TVs. People will stay at home and watch on their TV screens, its just as simple as that.
Comments are closed.