By WAYLON GALVEZ
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Tuesday reminded national team athletes and coaches to strictly observe the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) guidelines to avoid being infected by the deadly Covid-19.
In its letter to different national sports associations (NSAs), the PSC said it is mandatory to observe the ECQ guidelines not only for their own sake but also one way to help curb the spread of the coronavirus that has hit almost everything globally, including growth of PH economy.
The PSC directed all concerned 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.”
It also pleaded to athletes to “stay at home” after receiving reports that some members of the national team are not observing the rules properly..
“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 letter,” said PSC’s national training director Marc Velasco.
“It’s a call for 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 also noticed that some athletes and coaches tent to assume that there is less danger now since it has been three weeks since President Duterte put the entire Luzon under lockdown.
The PSC official, however, said that 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 with 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,” he added.
On the other hand, Velasco was happy to note that no athletes and coaches have been diagnosed positive of the deadly disease so far.
“Malinis ang ating record. Maski nasa kanya-kanya silang tahanan, walang may sintomas (of Covid-19),” he added.