Message From EA High Performance: Coronavirus/Covid19 Update - Equestrian Australia

The Australian Government has recently announced restrictions to public gatherings, and travel restrictions requiring any individual entering AUS to self-isolate for 14 days. Travel advisories and restrictions vary for different countries and are subject to change at very short notice as new information becomes available.

The AIS Chief Medical Officer has recommended High Performance athletes and staff to avoid travel.

The FEI have strongly recommended cancellation of all FEI events for 4 weeks until the situation can be reassessed.

The Equestrian Australia High Performance team strongly encourage riders to continue with their training preparations for Tokyo 2020 wherever possible. If events are cancelled, continue to adapt your preparation as required and talk to the relevant people.

With regards to Nomination Policies, Chris Webb will consult with the Australian Olympic Committee/Paralympics Australia in coming weeks and subsequently meet with the Selection Panels to discuss how these may be adjusted.

The Coronavirus is a complex and constantly evolving situation. The AIS have created a dedicated website to provide the best and most current source of information and advice relevant to high performance sport. It is regularly updated and can be found here: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19

General Information 

COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. These symptoms may be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. For those infected, symptoms may not become apparent for up to 14 days. 

Prevention 

The greatest risk of infection is through direct contact so good hygiene is important. We therefore advise the following: 

•  Wash hands frequently with soap and water. 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth to avoid transferring the virus from a surface to yourself. 
• Avoid body contact, e.g. shaking hands, hugs. 
• Social distancing - maintain at least 1.5 metres between yourself and other people. 
• Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette (cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water). 
• Avoid all non-essential travel. 
•  Call your Doctor if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing and you have travelled internationally, or been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.