Omicron hits sports activities

By PATRICIA KEAMO
NATIONAL federations have been advised to re-apply to the National Control Centre for approval of all sporting activities with more than 100 participants.
This follows a directive from the centre last week on the ban of public gatherings of more than 100 people until March 1.
National Pandemic Response Controller and Police Commissioner David Manning issued the directive following the detection of the of the Omicron variant of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
“All events or public gatherings of more than 100 people will not be allowed until March 1,” he said.
“The ban, which has become effective as of Jan 14, means that spectators will not be allowed if a sport requires 100 team members.
“Big gatherings have proven to be avenues through which large numbers of people become infected with infectious diseases such as the Covid-19.”
Manning said all requests for events of more than 100 persons would not be approved from the Jan 14 to Feb 28.
Approvals given prior to the new direction were now revoked.
“Those affected must now liaise with the Niupela Pasin team at the centre for rescheduling of events,” Manning said.
“Those who want to hold gatherings or events with participants numbering from 20 to 100 must seek approval from the centre.”
Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation pandemic management committee chairman Dr Kapua Kapua told The National that a specific directive for sporting federations would be released by the Office of the National Pandemic Response Controller.
“That was the message to us, so we are waiting for directives from the controller,” he said.
“All federations will have to re-apply.
“The latest is all sporting activities with more than 100 people are banned for next month due to the Omicron variant.
“We are just waiting for the specific directives for federations to re-apply. This includes national teams and athletes who are training for international fixtures.
“Their respective federations will have to re-submit their Covid-19 protocols.”
Foundation executive director Albert Veratau and PNG Olympic Committee secretary-general Auvita Rapilla are expected to meet with Deputy National Pandemic Response Controller Dr Daoni Esorom this week.