DGHS supports restarting sports, training on limited scale

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is in favour of restarting different types of sports and training programmes, on a limited scale, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

While entering or leaving a field, spectators will be required to maintain a distance of more than one metre from each other while in a row. 

Additionally, health guidelines and social distancing will have to be maintained for seating arrangements. 

The DGHS has sent a proposal to the Ministry of Youth and Sports in this regard.

Dr Md Rizwanul Karim Shamim, joint secretary general of Combined Covid-19 Control Room, DGHS, said, "The Ministry of Youth and Sports wanted to know our opinion regarding playing grounds and everything related to them. After considering everything, we sent the proposal to the ministry."

In the proposal, the DGHS said, "Before starting any game or opening any training centre, pandemic prevention equipment – such as masks, gloves, disinfectants, and a non-contact infrared thermometer – should be in stock. An infection prevention and control-related work-plan should be prepared and one should be assigned for its supervision and implementation. At the same time, everyone must be provided training on health rules."

Meanwhile, regular health check-ups of players, coaches, management committee members and all people concerned should be done. Everyone should be tested for Covid-19, as needed, before they start at the training camp, the proposal reads.

Additionally, the body temperatures of all players, coaches, management committee members, and outdoor spectators should be measured at the entrances of the playing grounds. Those whose temperatures are more than 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit should be banned from entering the field and sent to the healthcare centres. 

Each player must be given nutritious and healthy food during their stay in a training camp.