This development serves a major blow for the region’s sporting clubs and establishments who had just started to see light at the end of the tunnel when it came to a complete return to competition.
So as we once again find ourselves restricted to stay at home orders for the next week, let’s have a look at what we are able to do when it comes to sport in this lockdown.
In line with Melbourne’s restrictions, people are still able to play golf with a number of heavy restrictions following the state reaching its 80 per cent single dose vaccination goal last week.
This means players will only be able to play in groups of two with a 3.5-hour social playing time, while caddies and spectators are not permitted.
Players must book in advance and live within 15km from the golf club they are choosing to play at — all other facilities such as the Pro Shop, club house and toilets are closed.
Along with golf, tennis was also given the green light to return across Victoria last week, meaning recreational play and coaching is permitted under lockdown restrictions.
For coaching, group sessions are able to take place with two people plus a coach for participants who are not vaccinated, while groups of five plus a coach are permitted for those who are fully vaccinated.
When it comes to recreational tennis, singles play is permitted for two people who are not vaccinated — while doubles can be played by groups of four from no more than two households for fully vaccinated participants.
Lawn bowls was also given the green light to return in locked down areas under a number of strict guidelines.
For fully vaccinated people outdoor practice (e.g. casual roll-up) is permitted for groups of up to five plus a coach from a maximum of two households — non-vaccinated players are only able to practice outdoors in groups of two plus one coach.
Only every second rink can be used during these outdoor training sessions.
For cricket, all organised training sessions have been cancelled for the week.
In terms of regular exercise, fully vaccinated people are able to congregate in groups of four from a maximum of two households for up to four hours within 15km of their residence.
If you are not vaccinated you can only exercise with one other person for up to four hours, once again within 15km of your home.
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