The local government unit (LGU) of Naval, Biliran province issued on Friday the guidelines for the resumption of basketball games in their town.

The province along with the rest of Eastern Visayas is under Alert Level 1 from November 1 to 14, allowing contact sports.

“The LGU creates mechanisms to generate demands for vaccination and actively encourage activities that promotes the health and well-being of each individual,” Mayor Gerard Espina said.

As of November 3, at least 61,636 residents were fully-vaccinated against Covid-19, at least 40,556 with their first dose while 64,866 individuals under the target population still need the jabs.

Although basketball games are already allowed in the town, the directive specified that it will only be played at the Naval Gymnasium or an alternative venue approved by the municipal inter-agency task force.

“Any person who will authorize the opening of the playing venue other than those mentioned above will be penalized in accordance with the existing laws or ordinances,” the order stated.

Only those fully vaccinated will be allowed to play basketball.

To gain access to the gymnasium, they must present their vaccination card and valid identification.

All persons inside the gym are required to wear face masks unless they are playing. Venue security personnel would deny entry to unqualified players.

Spectators who will violate the minimum public health standards will be asked to exit the venue.

Groups will not be allowed to play inside the gym without registering first at the local government unit for their schedule.

Scheduling of games must be done at least one day before the game. It will be done by personal appearance since phone calls and chats will not be entertained.

While inside the gym, players are also mandated to follow the minimum public health standard, such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face mask when not playing, social distancing when seating at the bleachers, and mandatory QR code scanning.

Persons with symptoms are not allowed to enter the venue.

The name of players will also be submitted to the local government. Only players on the list will be allowed to enter the venue.

Holding of tournaments will be allowed only upon the approval of the local task force.

Scheduled games will be canceled if the gym will be used as a vaccination center.

Aside from local government employees and policemen, village watchmen will also handle the security within the gym premises.

As of November 3, Naval has already 1,953 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 1,892 recoveries, 15 active cases, and 46 deaths. (PNA)