GAA club dressing rooms in the Republic of Ireland are set to reopen from September 20th. Though, there is a stipulation that with the Covid-19 pandemic still an ongoing concern, only six people should occupy them at any one time, and that pre-game and half-time team talks should still take place outdoors.
In an update signed by GAA director general Tom Ryan and president Larry McCarthy, it was said:
"In the South and for all club games, dressing rooms should remain closed for the moment under current Government regulations. From September 20th, dressing rooms may be used as changing facilities only before and after games but with a maximum occupancy of six people at any one time. Pre-game, or half-time team talks, should continue to take place outdoors and it is recommended that shower facilities are only used where absolutely necessary.
"In the North, dressing rooms are now permitted to open but usage should be avoided or minimised where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and time spent in dressing rooms should be kept to a minimum. For this reason, and as in the South, it is strongly recommended that pre-game or half-time team talks should continue to take place outdoors.
"In both jurisdictions, where dressing rooms are being used, hand sanitization stations should be in place at the entrance, the areas should be well ventilated (i.e., windows or doors left open), masks should be worn (except if using showers) and no one other than team or support personnel should be permitted entry."
It’s time. Let’s get the dressing rooms back open for club teams. Even if it’s just for a quick change into gear, storage and a wipe down of a towel after. Please. It’s time
— Niall McNamee (@niallmc14) September 5, 2021
The update also addressed the use of GAA-owned gyms.
"In the South, from September 20th, and where there is mixed immunity status, the use of GAA owned gyms will be permitted in pods of up to six participants at a time (excluding coaches). Where groups have full immunity (i.e., fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within the previous 6 months) the provision for pods of six is not applicable.
"In the North, if more than 15 people are using a gGym at the same time, a risk assessment must be carried out in advance of any usage."
Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
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