Baseball Victoria continues to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 crisis, particularly Victorian Government restrictions and how they apply to baseball across the state.
All baseball activity, including training and in-person committee meetings, is shutdown in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire in accordance with the stage three restrictions, which were initially announced as a six-week lockdown starting at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, 8 July 2020.
At this time, no new restrictions on outdoor sport have been announced for regional Victoria, meaning non-contact training for seniors and full training and competition for juniors may continue for Bendigo Baseball Association, Geelong Baseball Association, Latrobe Valley Baseball Association, North Eastern Baseball Association and Sunraysia Baseball League.
On Sunday, 19 July, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced updated restrictions regarding the use of face masks in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, which go into effect at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, 22 July 2020.
- When leaving home for one of the four reasons (shopping for food and supplies, outdoor exercise and recreation, medical care or caregiving and study or work if you can't do it from home), people 12 years and older must wear a face covering, unless an exemption applies.
For people outside of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire:
- You are encouraged to wear a face covering when leaving home and if you are not able to keep 1.5 metres from others. If you need to travel into metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire then you must wear a face covering.
All baseball activity has ceased in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire for at least the duration of the stage three lockdown, therefore there is to be no coaching or training sessions.
Coaches continuing activity in regional Victoria are not required to wear face masks, but it's now encouraged by the Victorian Government.
Click HERE for more information from the Victorian government on wearing a face mask.
“We are closely following the evolving COVID-19 situation every day, so that we can keep our members up-to-date on current restrictions and the outlook on baseball activity throughout the state. The health and wellbeing of our Victorian baseball community remains our top priority,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “Despite the challenges of this year, we remain committed to doing what’s best for our baseballers and making sure our community has the help and support they need. We are navigating these trying times together, and we look forward to moving ahead with more baseball activity in the future, once it is safe and possible to do so.”
Baseball Victoria reminds members of the importance of checking in with one another and asking Are You Okay? A simple conversation can make a big difference during these times. For more details on mental health resources and staying safe and healthy, please check out our COVID-19 resources page HERE.
Please view the Baseball Victoria COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions HERE for details on training and junior competitions in regional Victoria as well as COVID-19 health questions, face masks and much more.
As a reminder, the COVIDSafe app is now available and will allow authorities to quickly track and control the spread of COVID-19. Please consider downloading the app to help save lives, protect the community and get baseball back as soon as possible. Click HERE to learn more.
For up-to-date information on keeping your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, including healthy hygiene, social distancing and face masks, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website HERE.
We have our Ramp Up to Play: Drills and Exercises Program on our website and BV TV YouTube channel to prepare athletes for a return to activity and play, as well as At-Home Training Drills and Exercises.
All further updates from Baseball Victoria will be available on the Baseball Victoria website and will also be communicated by the Baseball Victoria social media channels.
If you have any questions please contact Baseball Victoria, with full contact details available HERE.