Covid-19 Updates for Tennis

Tuesday, 31 August 2021

UPDATE 31 AUGUST 2021

All of New Zealand is at Alert Level 4 until 11:59pm tonight
From 11:59pm tonight, all areas south of Auckland will move to Alert Level 3
Northland will remain at Alert Level 4 until at least 11:59pm on Thursday 2 September
Auckland will remain at Alert Level 4 for at least another 2 weeks, with a review on Monday 13 September.
All tennis activity is suspended at Alert Level 4.

Sport NZ have now released updated guidance on permitted activities at Alert level 3, as below. This update brings good news and some not so good news. The good news is that casual bubble play on outside courts is still permitted, giving the tennis playing community an opportunity to get on court within their bubbles.

Unfortunately individual coaching has been removed from the permitted activity list. Whilst this is disappointing, please be assured that Tennis NZ will continue to advocate in support of professional coaches. This was the ruling last time, and some ground was shifted to allow tennis coaching on outside courts. We will continue with this approach and will provide updates in a timely manner.

Alert Level 3 restrictions are much the same as last time with a tightening of the rules around outdoor activities. In summary:

Stay at home in your bubble, other than for essential personal movement eg: exercise
No gathering for sport with people outside your bubble
Public venues are closed. This includes gyms and pools, as well as public and school playgrounds.
You are able to drive within your region to a public space, for example, a beach or park however physical distancing should be maintained.
You are encouraged to wear a face covering and must keep 2 metres distance from others when exercising.
Gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed but only for wedding services, funerals and tangihanga.
Personal trainers and professional coaches must work from home and use online and video conferencing facilities to deliver their training.
Outdoor sports are permitted where 2 metres physical distancing is possible e.g. golf, tennis, bowls. Conditions apply including that public facilities must be closed, a COVID-19 safety plan must be in place, common touch points must be minimised and equipment must not be shared.