Phase 2 reopening: Contact sports allowed from June 19, but no more than 5 participants for any group activity

SINGAPORE — All sports, physical exercises and activities will be able to resume on Friday (June 19) when Singapore enters Phase Two of the circuit breaker exit, but group activities are limited to no more than five participants.

In addition, if there is more than one group sharing a space, the groups must not interact with each other and must maintain a distance of 3m apart from one another at all times.

These are among the strict conditions the authorities have imposed to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

As to whether physical contact will be allowed for sports, Sport Singapore (SportSG) said in a news release on Wednesday (June 17) that it will be permitted if it is the “normal nature” of that sporting activity.

As such, sports such as football, handball, netball, basketball, futsal, ultimate flying disc, touch rugby and paintball may proceed without modification as long as the group size limit is observed, it added.

A SportSG spokesperson clarified that this means each sport should involve no more than five participants, excluding a coach or instructor.

Contact sports that involve extensive body contact should, however, be modified, said SportsSG.

“Sport Singapore has been engaging the national sports associations that govern the various sports in Singapore on the safe management measures for their particular sport,” it said.

These measures will be published on their respective websites, as well on the SportSG website from Friday onwards.

In the interim, SportSG said it has put together a list of general guidelines for those who wish to engage in sports and for facility operators.

Among them are:

• Small groups of not more than five athletes in total. An additional coach or instructor is permitted.

• Physical distancing of 2m (two arms-length), instead of 1m, should be maintained in general while exercising and playing sports. This is to accommodate for the higher risk of spread of respiratory droplets.

• However, for indoor, high intensity or high movement exercise classes, the physical distancing is increased to 3m (three arms-length)

• Mixing between groups is prohibited, and different groups should stay 3m apart at all times.

• Masks should be worn by all, including support staff and coaches. While it is still “good practice” to wear one even while performing strenuous activities, it is permitted to be removed during such situations.

Aside from these guidelines, SportSG also said that sport and recreational facilities will have to limit the number of patrons according to the size of the place, with one person allowed per 10 sqm of gross floor area in these facilities.

Facilities up to 50 sqm can admit up to five persons, excluding staff. This means a 20 sqm facility can accommodate five persons. 

However, SportSG said that no more than 50 people should be admitted, regardless of the size of the facility.

Sharing of common equipment should be avoided as well, it added, but if this cannot be done, then the equipment should be wiped down or sanitised frequently.

This includes gym equipment such as weights, and sports equipment such as basketballs, it said.

Aside from stepping up on the disinfection of common spaces and interactive components like smart kiosks or turnstiles, SportSG said facility operators must also ensure there is good ventilation within the premises, particularly if it is indoors.

If the space is non-air conditioned, windows should be kept open and additional fans should be put in place.