15 December 2020 Edition
Facility capacities are increasing!
Cheering throughout Queensland’s indoor venues will get a little louder following the further easing of restrictions effective 1 December 2020. The occupant density requirements for indoor venues has increased to no more than one person per 2 square metres regardless of facility size. It’s also great news for those hosting and attending indoor and outdoor (i.e. swimming carnivals) events. We’ll now be able to see up to 100% of seated venue capacity provided attendees are in ticketed and allocated seating. For further information, please see the Return to Play website.
Occupant density – what does that mean for my activity?
Occupant density is a key element to the COVID Safe Framework. Simply, it provides a limit on how many people can be at the venue at any one time.
What are the current occupant density requirements?
No more than one person per 2 square metres regardless of indoor venue size.
For outdoor venues, physical distancing is required off the field of play.
How do I calculate the maximum number of people for an indoor venue?
Simply put, it is the usable space divided by two.
For example, to calculate the maximum occupant density of this venue, you need to:Determine the entire venue space in metres square(20m multiplied by 15m = 300m2).
Determine the size of the non-usable spaces in metres squared such as space taken up by plant equipment, storage containers and other impenetrable structures (Storage area 20m2).
Minus the non-usable space from the entire venue space, to work out the usable space (300m2 minus 20m2 = 280m2).
Divide the useable area of the venue by 2 to get the maximum number of people for your venue. (280m2 divided by 2 = 140 people maximum).
The occupant density/capacity needs to be monitored and enforced.
Signs with the maximum number of people permitted must be displayed at entry and communicated to all attendees, volunteers and staff. In addition, signs with capacity maximums should be in place for discrete areas such as tiered/ stadium seating, change rooms, first aid or meeting rooms.
What does‘up to 100 per cent of seated capacity if patrons are in ticketed and allocated seating’really mean?
If your facility has a grandstand or stadium seating, with allocated seat numbers, this change means you can sell or issue tickets for all of your available seating allocation. In short, if you have 80 numbered seats in your stand, you can sell or issue 80 ticketed seats to have 100% seated capacity for events.
However, your organisation has the responsibility to ensure that it is undertaken in a COVID Safe manner. To meet this condition your organisation/ business must:
ensure each seat is specifically numbered / identifiable;
issue a specially numbered / identifiable ticket to all attendees prior to the activity and obtain contact information of all the people attending;
maintain ticket records to ensure contact information is available to public health officials if required;
ensure attendees remain seated in their allocated seats for the majority of the activity;
encourage patrons to wear masks where is not possible to physically distance;
manage the entry / exit points and the flow of people to promote physical distancing and prevent crowding; and
undertake increased cleaning and hygiene requirements for seated areas and other associated facilities as a result of increased capacity.
Most organisations / businesses are likely to implement 100% capacity of their seating areas for special competitions or events, rather than day-to-day training activities due to the additional requirements.
What if I hire my facility / venue, can I still have 100% seated capacity with allocated ticketed seating?
Your organisation/ business will need to discuss this matter with the facility / venue manager.
Are face masks really necessary?
Masks are encouraged for attendees when it is not possible to physically distance or when you are not in your allocated seat. This could include entering or exiting the venue, leaving their seats to go to the bathroom or purchasing food or drinks.
Can we still use our seating area for training and general competitions?
Yes, just ensure that the occupant density is restricted to one person per two square metres, and people can physically distance.
Does occupant density apply on the field of play?
No, within the field of play occupant density and physical distancing requirements do not apply.
Please note: Calculating density using this Direction does not override or allow an organisation / business to exceed the number of occupants permitted under regulations or legislation applying to the business such fire safety, planning approvals or workplace health and safety regulations.
Do you have suggestions or a good idea about how to keep people physically distanced while watching?
If so, send us your story and a photo/video to let us know! Sport and Recreation COVID team
Positive COVID Case – what do we do?
When the Western Districts Netball Association were advised that a person who visited their venue had tested positive to COVID-19, their response was like most – “What do we do?"
Thankfully they acted swiftly by executing elements of their COVID Safe plan, doing all they could to contain or limit the spread. Learn about Western Districts Netball Association’s COVID-19 responseand the measures they’ve taken to keep their members safe.
There are some great tips and valuable learnings to take away from their experience.
Resources
UnderstandingRestrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertaking Direction has information to help you understand what this Direction means for your organisation.
COVID Safe Events websitehas information to help with the density requirements for both indoor and outdoor events and the seated ticketed events.
Face masks: Find out how to use, wear and dispose of a face mask.
Return to Play websiteprovides current restrictions and other resources to guide sport, recreation and fitness industries during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Please note, while we endeavour to provide the latest information relating to COVID-19 restrictions, these directions are regularly updated to reflect the health advice. The information and external links in this edition are current at the time of distribution, please refer to the below websites as your point of truth for updated advice.
Need support to be COVID Safe?
Visit the following websites: Queensland Health COVID-19 Queensland Return to Play Contact Tracing – Current Alerts and Self-assessment
Speak to or email Sport and Recreation: at one of the Regional offices