Local soccer competitions have become the latest victim of the coronavirus.
The Macarthur Football Association (MFA) says Football Federation Australia (FFA) has suspended all football related activity until April 14.
The suspension, which kicks in from midnight tonight, March 18, is comprehensive and includes all training, trials and official matches and competitions, as well as all meetings, events and gatherings, education and participation programs.
The popular M-League competitions for men and women were due to start this weekend but will now not go ahead.
As it is a nation wide suspension, it means there will be no football activity of any kind across the outer South West Sydney region until April 14.
“We all share the same passion for our game and are all equally disappointed by the position we find ourselves,’’ says Salv Carmusciano, the general manager of MFA.
“Unfortunately this unprecedented situation requires drastic action.
“We do not have answers to many questions at this point, however we are developing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) guide to assist you all and will have this available shortly.’’
The suspension of football comes in the wake of a host of local events being cancelled in the past few days, including the Camden Easter Show.
The show society made the announcement this week.
Local libraries across all council areas are also being hit by measures aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 virus.
Camden Council today announced that it is temporarily closing the Narellan and Camden offsite customer service hubs, which are located in Narellan and Camden Libraries respectively.
“While
all our libraries remain open at this time, we have made the difficult yet
necessary decision to suspend our regular library programs and events scheduled
from March 18 to April 1 in light of the advice of state agencies about Covid-19,’’
council said in a media statement.
General events suspended or cancelled have included
the annual seniors festival, Camden Cultures (Saturday 21 March), Spring Farm community
centre opening (4 April) and Youth Week (1-9 April) among others.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said council’s first priority was the safety and health of residents, staff and visitors.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that we’re having to make these adjustments,” Cr Theresa Fedeli said.
“But when I think about how many people in the community that have the potential to be affected by not taking action now, I know postponing or cancelling them is 100 per cent the right decision.’’
- For the latest updates on Covid-19 and how to stay safe, please refer to the NSW Government Department of Health, World Health Organisation or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
