Bowls Tasmania Statement
COMPULSORY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
In April of 2020 I had the task of writing to you explaining the direction taken by Bowls Tasmania in response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many months have passed since that time, and I am pleased to say the impact on our sport has been kept to a minimum. I thank all Clubs and Members for the work they have done to ensuring this positive outcome for us all.
Unfortunately, we now see ourselves in the grip of another wave of the disease that has proven to be more contagious than any of the strains before it.
We also see our borders fully open once more which has created a far greater exposure to us than we have seen at any time in the pandemic. Case numbers in the State have increased significantly and we must do all within our powers to protect our members and the community in helping curb this outbreak.
Being faced with this scenario, the Board of Bowls Tasmania met for an extraordinary meeting to discuss and implement policy on what direction we were to take. It was recognised by the Board that given all facts available, vaccination was our best defence against this latest outbreak.
The people of Tasmania have been diligent in their quest to best protect the community with the State now being the most highly vaccinated place on the planet.
The outcome of the meeting of the Board was that we would require participants in all State teams and events to be fully vaccinated (two doses) after 1 February 2022. Junior members will not be required to be fully vaccinated (two doses) until 30 June 2022. Participants Players will not have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if they can provide an exemption signed by a qualified medical practitioner.
At the time of developing this policy for all Bowls Tasmania governed events and teams we also strongly recommended to the Regions and Clubs in the State that they carefully consider following our lead for all bowlers.
Please remember that this decision has been taken after careful consideration and with the health and welfare of our members and the community of the foremost concern.
This pandemic has thrown us many challenges and has the habit of changing daily. Bowls Tasmania will monitor the environment on a daily basis and keep you all informed.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hay
President
Bowls Tasmania
