When the government introduced a ban on organised sports as part of the measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, it resulted in a certain amount of confusion.

People were reporting to newsrooms that some people were playing sports despite the ban, certain sports establishments were highlighting that nothing was being done to other sports clubs that they believed were in breach of the regulations… the term ‘organised sports’ led to different interpretations. This could all have been avoided.

Then, earlier this week the government published a list of sports activities that are currently allowed, as well as standards that need to be followed during such activities. The sport and fitness activities include tennis, padel, cycling, climbing among others. The rules that people must follow when taking part in such activities are strict and include that people can only gather outdoors in groups of no more than 4 to carry out a recreational physical activity and sporting activity, that no contact between people is allowed, that any form of competition is strictly prohibited and so on and so forth.

The situation leading up to this announcement was just another example of the government and the authorities acting in a reactionary manner, rather than planning ahead. Let’s be honest, shouldn’t the exceptions as well as the rules that need to be followed when practicing them have been part of the first announcement, which banned organised sports?

It is good that the government woke up and implemented more restrictive measures in the first place but creating certain confusion does not help.

Despite the confusion, the revelation that certain sports and physical activities can be practiced is also welcome, as long as all Covid regulations are adhered to. Many people are working from home, and in order to combat a sedentary lifestyle, physical activity is needed. It will also help people’s mental state. This newspaper must appeal to everyone, however, to respect all the guidelines and follow the strict precautionary measures and all regulations. Protecting ourselves and our neighbours from the pandemic must remain the priority.

Another measure was also announced recently, limiting the number of households able to meet in a residence to two. Given that Easter is so close, this is definitely the right move. Yes, we all have families who we would want to spend Easter Sunday with and now cannot. It is upsetting, but at the same time this sacrifice is being made for the greater good. If families from many households were to mingle, then the result would probably have been catastrophic, and the health system might have started to buckle.

Here, we must also remain vigilant and adhere to the regulations. Do not break the law.

The police and the authorities must continue their regime of strict enforcement, and people must think of others. No more parties can be held, no more spontaneous celebrations. Everyone is paying the price now for the rise in numbers, and whoever breaches Covid regulations is contributing to the suffering of others. Be respectful.