Covid 19 and footy - season (suspended) now resumed

[dejavoodoo44]

With the grand prix now cancelled, things are starting to look worrying for the afl season start. I have a sneaking suspicion that the neafl trial this weekend will not go ahead.

I'm not sure if I see any real need to cancel a NEAFL trial? It would only be a small, sparsely distributed crowd; so the increased risk of contagion, would be very minimal, if any.

However, 60,000 at the MCG, or 45,000 crammed into Adelaide Oval or Optus Stadium, would probably be a different story. Lots of opportunity to spread viruses if they get into the precinct. People running their hands over the same stair railings. People pressing the same lift buttons. Sitting within a few metres of someone claiming, "No, it's okay, it's just a slight cold". People exchanging money with the same vendors. Sharing the public toilets. Etc, etc. Though how much these things increase the risk, above that of people just going about their daily lives, I'm not really sure? That is, is there a significant difference in risk factors, between going to the footy, and say, spending the day in an office block or wandering around a shopping mall?

[barracuda]

I'm not sure if I see any real need to cancel a NEAFL trial? It would only be a small, sparsely distributed crowd; so the increased risk of contagion, would be very minimal, if any.

However, 60,000 at the MCG, or 45,000 crammed into Adelaide Oval or Optus Stadium, would probably be a different story. Lots of opportunity to spread viruses if they get into the precinct. People running their hands over the same stair railings. People pressing the same lift buttons. Sitting within a few metres of someone claiming, "No, it's okay, it's just a slight cold". People exchanging money with the same vendors. Sharing the public toilets. Etc, etc. Though how much these things increase the risk, above that of people just going about their daily lives, I'm not really sure? That is, is there a significant difference in risk factors, between going to the footy, and say, spending the day in an office block or wandering around a shopping mall?

I guess so, I thought they might cancel to protect players.

[barry]

I guess so, I thought they might cancel to protect players.

The focus is on containing the pace of disease spread, not trying to stop people getting it.
By slowing, or dragging out, the infection rate, the medical infrastructure can cope with the number of cases.

No need to protect players. Teams already have procedures for limiting flu.

[barracuda]

The focus is on containing the pace of disease spread, not trying to stop people getting it.
By slowing, or dragging out, the infection rate, the medical infrastructure can cope with the number of cases.

No need to protect players. Teams already have procedures for limiting flu.

Thanks, I saw that a VFL trial has been cancelled so I thought players risk might be a factor

[dejavoodoo44]

I guess so, I thought they might cancel to protect players.

Well, they still might cancel, but my personal opinion is that would be an overreaction.

[dejavoodoo44]

News from the COAG conference that's currently taking place, is that the leading medical representative, is making the case for cancelling mass gatherings of over 500 people. If that advice is accepted, that obviously means that round one won't take place in its usual form. So, that probably leaves a choice of cancellation, or playing in empty stadiums, so at least people can enjoy the games through the media. I tend to prefer the second option.

[Markwebbos]

If one Swans player gets it, they'll isolate every player at the club. Meaning no more AFL / NEAFL etc. I can't see how that would be avoidable. I presume a similar rule would apply at other clubs, so once any AFL player has it, they'll have to close things down for a minimum of 2 weeks.

My understanding is the virus can spread from (1) greater than 15 minutes face-to-face contact with an infected person or (2) the sharing of a closed space for more than two hours with them. I think AFL players would meet those criteria.

[bloodspirit]

News from the COAG conference that's currently taking place, is that the leading medical representative, is making the case for cancelling mass gatherings of over 500 people. If that advice is accepted, that obviously means that round one won't take place in its usual form. So, that probably leaves a choice of cancellation, or playing in empty stadiums, so at least people can enjoy the games through the media. I tend to prefer the second option.

Absolutely! Televised footy is better than no footy! Just depends on the advice about players playing and how the players feel about playing.

I wonder if we will get our $$ back if the season is cancelled or we are locked out. I think a fair compromise would be to roll over our memberships to the following season if this one is cancelled. Share the loss/load which is nobody's fault.

[royboy42]

I can't see any possible way we will see footy this season, certainly not live, and almost certainly, not in empty stadia.

Unless there is a major breakthrough (extremely unlikely) with the virus in the next few weeks.

And Buddy ages another year!

[AnnieH]

Jeez.
Bums on seats is how the clubs (that don't have pokies) make money.
The NRL are prepared to offer compensation to their clubs.
The AFL had better be ready as well.

[barracuda]

If one Swans player gets it, they'll isolate every player at the club. Meaning no more AFL / NEAFL etc. I can't see how that would be avoidable. I presume a similar rule would apply at other clubs, so once any AFL player has it, they'll have to close things down for a minimum of 2 weeks.

My understanding is the virus can spread from (1) greater than 15 minutes face-to-face contact with an infected person or (2) the sharing of a closed space for more than two hours with them. I think AFL players would meet those criteria.

Wow, so extending that basically if any afl, neafl, wafl, etc player gets it then their own club shuts. Presumably out of fairness the others shut, otherwise how do you have a competition.

[Blood Fever]

Wow, so extending that basically if any afl, neafl, wafl, etc player gets it then their own club shuts. Presumably out of fairness the others shut, otherwise how do you have a competition.

Things are moving fast and in a grim direction.

[dejavoodoo44]

If one Swans player gets it, they'll isolate every player at the club. Meaning no more AFL / NEAFL etc. I can't see how that would be avoidable. I presume a similar rule would apply at other clubs, so once any AFL player has it, they'll have to close things down for a minimum of 2 weeks.

My understanding is the virus can spread from (1) greater than 15 minutes face-to-face contact with an infected person or (2) the sharing of a closed space for more than two hours with them. I think AFL players would meet those criteria.

Or you test the other players and isolate those who may have it.

[Markwebbos]

Or you test the other players and isolate those who may have it.

That's possible... but unlikely as a lot of tests would be required. Australia is only capable of 7,500 tests per day nationally. Unless the AFL is going to set up and pay for its own. And there's a high probability that other players will be infected, meaning teams might be missing several players. Or worse.

[Scottee]

I know that ethically this would not happen; but perhaps the best approach regarding the players and support staff would be to expose them all at the same time (its a mild disease for healthy people), quarantine them until thay are free of the virus and commence the season without fear of the contagion effecting the competion randomly. Most of them are likely to be exposed anyway. Just a thought.