Against the background of the rise in morbidity and the alarming outbreak of Omicron, the chairman of the Football Leagues, Erez Kalfon, sent an urgent letter to the team managers tonight (Thursday) after receiving the new corona instructions in stadiums from the government.
Among the new-old guidelines that are now being repeated: there is an obligation to wear masks at any given time for the fans in the stands, starting from the next round that will kick off this weekend. The announcer will also remind this to those present every 15 minutes during the game. Both the players and the professional team on the bench will be wearing masks (to the head coach who gives instructions). Of course, the administration does not want to go back to 2020, but these guidelines come from the government, of course, so Chairman Kalfon clarified to the groups the procedures that are being repeated. Sanctions such as reducing incentives against groups that do not meet the guidelines will also be applied.
In a letter explained Kalfon Because after talks with government officials, a rapid increase in morbidity is expected: “We are in the midst of a new outbreak of the virus and various scenarios even predict that in the near future, we will experience a dramatic increase in coronary heart disease. I expect that all those involved in the industry, will act with such responsibility in order to prevent cases of infection among the players as much as possible. A team whose players / team members become infected / will go into isolation, will have to carry out the activity without the players / team members, and therefore all the guidelines must be met in order for the training and games activity to continue as a series. ”
Kalfon further stated: “Adherence to and observance of the rules and tightening even beyond the regulations set by the state. Avoid as much as possible staying in unnecessary mass events, with an emphasis on enclosed spaces. Players must take responsibility and stay away from any mass crowd. I would like you to make sure that all players and professional teams are fully vaccinated (including a third booster vaccine).
Kalfon’s full letter to groups
In recent days, the State of Israel, like many countries in the world, has experienced a renewed confrontation with the corona virus and the Omicron strain. We are in the midst of a new outbreak of the virus and various scenarios even predict that in the near future, we will experience a dramatic increase in coronary heart disease morbidity, in a way that will affect the lives of all of us. Accordingly, the Government of Israel has decided on changes that will be implemented immediately as detailed below in our letter (obligation to wear masks in stadiums). The principal also decided to take additional preventive measures aimed at reducing the exposure of the teams (players and team members) to factors outside the team capsule in order to avoid unnecessary contact as much as possible in order to do everything to avoid infections within the teams.
From the beginning of the epidemic, we have proven that we know how to maintain the professional football leagues responsibly and while taking preventive measures and strict observance of the rules. For all of us – with an emphasis on the players and the professional and administrative teams, the great responsibility lies with strict adherence to the procedures and precautionary rules so that we can continue to carry out the activities of the leagues continuously. I turn to the team leaders and ask that you have a personal conversation with all the players and teams, explain to them the importance of the issue and the great responsibility that rests on their shoulders and ask for the full cooperation with the guidelines. “
“Guidelines: Strict adherence to the rules and tightening even beyond the regulations set by the state. Avoid as much as possible staying in unnecessary mass events, with an emphasis on enclosed spaces. Players must take responsibility and stay away from any mass crowd. In addition, I will ask that you make sure that all players and professional teams are fully vaccinated (including a third vaccine – booster). In addition, in order to reduce unnecessary contacts as stated, please see the following guidelines that the principal follows, which will be valid until a new announcement / reduction in morbidity: Cancellation of press parties before and after games. Reduction of the factors that are in the players’ complex in the training ground and in the stadium on the day of the game (the locker room complex, technical areas, the game arena) to the factors required only for the purpose of managing the game. Cancellation of community activities that require direct contact with factors outside the group (such as visits to schools, various institutions, hospitals, etc. – coordination of continued community activities in an alternative will be done in front of the head of the community in the administration).
Update on the conditions of the green sign – wearing masks: Please note that according to the guidelines of the Government of Israel, as of today, there is an obligation to wear masks in stadiums in all areas of the stadium (players, employees and spectators). Please see the meanings below. Audience: It is mandatory to wear masks at any given time. The usher at the entrance must make sure that everyone who enters the stadium is wearing a mask. The announcer of the game is asked to remind the audience in 75,60,30,15 minutes about the obligation to wear the masks (as well as at any given time at his discretion and in accordance with the behavior of the audience).
A slide must be projected on the screen that requires masking in 75,60,30,15 minutes (as well as before the game and at half-time). Players and professional and administrative team: Care must be taken to wear masks by the players and the professional and administrative staff at any given time, including during the game while sitting on the team benches. An exception to this is the team coach (only) who delivers instructions. Care must also be taken to maintain social distance and to wear masks in all enclosed spaces, including with an emphasis on joint trips to games, the locker room complex, meeting rooms, etc. Please note that it is mandatory to apply all the guidelines mentioned above. Sanctions will be taken against a group that does not comply with the guidelines, including a reduction in incentives. I expect that all those involved in the industry, will act with such responsibility in order to prevent cases of infection among the players as much as possible. A team whose players / team members will stick / enter isolation, will have to carry out the activity without the players / team members and therefore all the guidelines must be met in order for the training and games activity to continue as a series during these complex weeks ”.
.