Covid-19 Update 9th May 2020
Following the latest developments in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and upon advice from the relevant state authorities including the HSE and the Irish Government, GAA Handball wish to confirm that the current suspension of all activities is extended until further advised. Please note that the GAA Player Injury Scheme will remain closed until an official return to activity is confirmed.
GAA Handball welcomes the publication of the Irish Government’s ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business’ last Friday May 1st which provides a pathway for a return to sporting activity within the Republic of Ireland.
GAA Handball are currently assessing the roadmap, as well as an awaited roadmap in relation to Northern Ireland, on the phased return to activity and have sought clarification from the relevant authorities in relation to a number of specifics with regard to a return of GAA Handball activities. We have also sought guidance from the dedicated Covid-19 Advisory Group set up by the GAA which will advise the Association on matters relating to return to play protocols and other similar issues.
Once clarification and the relevant advice has been received, GAA Handball will be in a position to issue detailed advice and a plan for a return to play in the safest and quickest manner, outlining the steps we have to take to facilitate the re-commencement of our training and games, both in terms of physical engagement and around the use of our facilities and the timeframe for same.
We appreciate the continued co-operation and support of everyone involved at this time. The health and safety of our members is, as always, of paramount importance and while a return to full activity as early as possible is the desired outcome of all our members it must be in the safest possible way to ensure the health and safety of all our members and the general public.
In keeping with our approach to date, the Association will continue to liaise with government officials and experts, both north and south, and study their guidelines and advice regarding the resumption of sport.
As this is still a rapidly developing situation, we will continue to monitor the information received from the relevant authorities on a day-to-day basis.
Further updates will be issued in due course.
As always, we advise all members to monitor the Government and HSE websites for the latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 and to follow their instructions regarding social distancing.
