Banjarmasin does not allow sport event, still in red zone

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Head of Banjarmasin Youth and Sport Office (Dispora) Taufik Rifani asserted that the city has not yet permitted sporting events, because it is still a red zone of COVID-19 transmission.

The highly number of COVID-19 case in the city makes it not possible for large scale activities, such as sports events, which invite many athletes and spectators.

"There is no sport event for the moment, our city is still in the red zone. Training is okay, but we must also comply with health protocol," Rifani said.

He said, health protocol to avoid coronavirus had already been issued by the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Sport also issued a sport caution protocol.

He stated that no prohibition for sport venue to open during the  pandemic, but has to comply with health protocol. "There is no restriction, open it, such as futsal or fitness, as long as it meets the health protocol," he said.

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Exercise, he said, is one way to increase endurance, so it is important for the community today.

Moreover the athletes, Rifani said, must always maintain quality, ability, and physic, while sport events will be held at a time when COVID-19 can be handled on earth.

The sporting event now awaited is the provincial level Student Sport Game (Popda), which was planned to held in Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru.

"The Popda should have been held in March, because of COVID-19 it was decided to be postponed, well this withdrawal is not known till when, as COVID-19 condition is still serious," he concluded.

Positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Banjarmasin have reached 1.432, recovery 240, and 120 people died.
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