As we continue to adapt to the latest set of guidelines in a return to normality, but being cautious of the spike in positive Covid cases, I have received several calls in recent days from concerned parents whose children are involved in indoor sports.
Under the guidelines issued to the various sporting organisations, the following points are noted for indoor sport:
· The use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate ) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.
· Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to six participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors ).
· Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.
· Overall number of pods will have regard to the size of the venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.
· For vaccinated individuals, no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.
· Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.
Those contacting me have huge concern for their children, in particular those under the age of 12.
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Mayor Mike Cubbard. Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy
I have sought urgent clarity from the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, on this matter, as the fact that these measures state that the use of the EU Digital Covid Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate ) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events. This immediately excludes children under 12 as they are not yet eligible to receive a Covid vaccine therefore do not have an EU digital Covid certificate.
Point two then refers to pods if there is a mixed immunity status. Take a basketball game for example – are teams expected to play all those vaccinated in one part of the game and those unvaccinated in another? Are an under-13 team to separate any of the under-12 age group who may also play for their team as s/he is eligible for a vaccine?
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This group of children, like so many more, have suffered enough and lost so much throughout the various levels of lockdown. They watched as their brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbours returned to outdoor sports before them. They have been preparing for the past few weeks to get back playing the games they love in a safe manner, but now they remain unsure if these measures put a halt to that progress once again.
I commend those involved as volunteers, up and down this country, who are taking on more than just coaching roles now. They are working around the clock to ensure indoor and outdoor venues are safe for our children. They are protecting the mental well being of thousands of children who missed out. Therefore I believe they need clarity and need it immediately. Our children deserve better than this.
Mike Cubbard is an Independent councillor for Galway City West and a former Mayor of Galway City.
