By WAYLON GALVEZ
The Philippine Sports Commission has reminded national athletes and coaches to ‘strictly observe’ guidelines of the lockdown to avoid being infected by COVID-19.
PSC national training director Marc Velasco (MB file photo)
In a letter to national sports associations, the PSC reiterated these measures are being undertaken during the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine to stop the spread of the virus.
The PSC directed to “avoid non-essential travel, avoid close person to person interaction and practice 1-2 meter distancing at all places of convergence, keep yourself hydrated, well nourished with adequate sleep to boost immune system and stay at home.”
The last part of the PSC’s call to “stay at home” was emphasized after reports reached the sports agency that members of the national team are not violating the order.
“May mga reports tayo na natanggap na may mga lumalabas maski hindi naman para sa kanilang essential needs. We’re still verifying it, pero naglabas na din agad ang PSC,” said national training director Marc Velasco when contacted Tuesday by Manila Bulletin.
“It’s a call for them, the NSAs, to remind their athletes and coaches to please observe, follow the guidelines. It’s a reiteration of our previous message to them as the government continues with its efforts to flatten the curve.”
Velasco said that like other individuals, some athletes and coaches tend to assume there is less danger now since it has been three weeks since President Duterte announced the ECQ.
However, the PSC official said that should not be the case.
“Lagpas three weeks na kasi e, so may mga iba relax na relax, may tendency na ganun e. But we have to maintain the ECQ call of the government. That’s why we are calling to the NSA, please – it’s a general reminder to all the athletes and coaches – follow the guidelines,” said Velasco.
“These next two, three weeks will be crucial for all of us, for the whole country in our fight against Covid-19. We have to stay home as much as possible, stay safe with our families.”
Velasco said that the virus has not affected members of the national team, saying: “Malinis ang ating record. Maski nasa kanya-kanya silang tahanan, walang may sintomas.”
Source: Manila Bulletin
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