The map of the NSW Government Regional Boundaries from the Office of Sport with a heading ‘Proposed regions’

Dr Kerry Chant makes reference to ‘regions’ in her letter. Maybe it’s about time the Government got their act together and made it clear for the people of NSW what they are trying to communicate???

The 10 NSW Government regions include

  • Hunter
  • North Coast
  • Central Coast
  • Metropolitan Sydney
  • Illawarra
  • South East & Tablelands
  • New England/North West
  • Central West and Orana
  • Riverina Murray
  • Far West

A letter by Dr Kerry Chant

In response to increased cases of COVID-19 in NSW, I am advising of further public health measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission related to participation in community sports. These updated recommendations will help us to meet the NSW Government’s aim of achieving no community transmission in NSW and will support community sports to continue operating safely.
It is essential that community sports organisations have a COVID-19 safety plan in place, and are fully compliant with this plan: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/industryguidelines/community-sporting-competitions-and-full-training-activities In addition, please implement the following updated public health recommendations:

 Cease activities that result in the mixing of participants and staff from different regions, for example by ceasing zone, regional or state championships or competitions

 Cease any activities that result in overnight stays (e.g. multi-day training camps) due to increased risk of COVID transmission in residential-type settings with shared facilities

 Cease face-to-face social activities relating to community sports (e.g. award ceremonies, end-of-season social gatherings, post-training group dinners)

 Avoid carpools or bus travel with people from different household groups where possible

 For local activities, limit spectators to one parent only, where the child requires parental supervision during the sporting activity.

Please commence implementation of these recommendations by Wednesday 19 August.

I anticipate that these recommendations will need to be in place for the next 6 weeks. I will continue to update you in relation to the continued need for these public health measures.
I would like to thank your organisation for your support and ongoing attention to providing a COVID-19 safe environment for community sports participants.


Yours sincerely
Dr Kerry Chant PSM
Chief Health Officer
NSW Health