Low-intensity indoor sports activity must stop if mask comes off: Sport Singapore

This means the intensity of the activity is too high.

Belmont Lay | July 21, 2021, 02:39 PM

Sport Singapore (SportSG) released an updated advisory on July 20 prescribing stricter Covid-19 measures for sport and physical exercise and activity under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), from July 22 to Aug. 18, 2021.

Here are some of the answers to the frequently asked questions about this new development.

What is the maximum number of people who can exercise in a group?

Up to two individuals are allowed for sport and physical activities.

The physical distancing of 2m between individuals is applicable for low-intensity activities, except when the nature of the sport does not permit so.

Indoor high-intensity activities are currently not allowed under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).

Can high-intensity activities still be carried out?

Yes, but only outdoors and by two individuals at most. Masks can come off.

What sport and physical activities are allowed indoors?

Only low intensity sport and physical activities with masks on at all times are allowed in indoor sport and recreation facilities.

The activity has to cease immediately, if any participant removes his or her mask.

Can there be large group sport and physical activities classes?

Indoors

For organised programmes and classes indoors, only masked activities can take place in multiple groups of two, up to 30 participants (including instructor).

If the capacity of the venue is fewer than 30 participants, that would be the limit.

The groups of two are not to intermingle before, during and after the class, and must remain 3m apart.

Instructors or operators are to maintain a contact list of persons in the different groupings in case there is a need for contact tracing.

Outdoors

For organised programmes and classes outdoors, multiple groups of two are allowed up to 30 participants.

If the capacity of the venue is fewer than 30 participants, that would be the limit.

If the activity is of low intensity, masks have to be on at all times.

The groups of two are not to intermingle and must remain 3m apart.

Instructors or operators are to maintain a contact list of persons in the different groupings in case there is a need for contact tracing.

If the activity is of high intensity where masks have to be removed, only two persons are allowed (including instructor or coach) and there can be no multiple groups of two.

Will I be allowed to play sports such as badminton, basketball and table tennis?

You are allowed to play sports such as badminton, basketball and table tennis in a group of no more than two persons (i.e. 1 vs 1).

Masks must be worn at all times when playing sports indoors.

Masks may be taken off during strenuous activity outdoors, in a group of no more than two persons only.

Will activities indoors have to be modified to carry on?

Activities indoors have to be modified to minimise physical contact and to ensure participants keep their masks on at all times.

For example, grappling can be allowed provided they end after 15 minutes.

Participants must be masked.

Competitive ball games will be difficult to proceed owing to their exertive nature, but drills that are less intense can still go on, for instance.

What indoor facilities are to be closed and for how long?

From July 22 to Aug. 18, 2021, all indoor facilities including gyms and fitness studios, sports halls, indoor swimming pools, squash courts, are to close.

Those that open are to only offer low intensity physical activities, sport, and exercises where all participants and instructors are wearing masks at all times, and where there is no sharing or supply of any common equipment.

Common equipment would include climbing walls, aerial exercise equipment, resistance training weights and other similar equipment.

Can yoga or Pilates studios remain open?

Yes, if they are able to offer low intensity physical activities, sport and exercises, where all participants and instructors are wearing masks at all times and adhere to a more stringent set of safe management measures.

What safeguards are there for people in the health and fitness industry?

Fast and easy tests (FETs) to detect Covid-19 have been mandatory since July 15 for coaches, trainers and instructors in gyms and fitness studios where clients engage in unmasked activities.

Sport coaches and instructors in sports where trainees are unmasked will also have to be tested every 14 days.

For businesses that remain open during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), their employees must continue with the regular 14-day FET requirement.

If business operations are suspended, staff members will not be required to undergo the tests.

You can read the full FAQ here [PDF].

Top photo via Unsplash