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Dear Members,
As you may be aware, from mid-July six professional AFL teams relocated to Queensland to enable the continuation of the 2020 AFL season. Under the guidance of Queensland Health, upon their arrival to the state, all players, support staff and entourage were subject to strict COVID-19 safety protocols.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort was approached to accommodate the above-noted six teams that have been residing in Queensland as well as two teams which have been in Western Australia for the final round and the season finals.
As InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort has accepted the booking, Sanctuary Cove residents and other members of the public will not be able to enter the hotel or use the facilities including the pools, restaurants, and the resort grounds from 30 August to 22 September 2020.
At the recent Board meeting, the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Board resolved to permit AFL players to access The Palms golf course, as well as The Pines golf course on Tuesdays, during their stay. We assure Members that COVID-19 guidelines continue to be adhered to and our Members’ and staff members’ health and safety remain at the forefront of our operations.
Following concerns and questions raised by Sanctuary Cove residents regarding the pending arrival of the AFL teams and the resultant temporary resort closure, Matt Rippin, General Manager of the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, has put together the following ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ communication to clarify and address a variety of concerns.
InterContinental Sanctuary Resort values the strong relationship it has with the Sanctuary Cove community, and the resort team is committed to making sure it operates with the safety, wellbeing and interests of the community as a priority.
We are pleased to be playing our part in helping to support football to continue this season, as well as to keep our great resort operating and colleagues employed through this challenging time for our industry.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we welcome these teams to our resort.
1. Will the resort be used as an isolation or quarantine hotel?
No. The resort will not be used for COVID-19 isolation or quarantine business. It will accommodate GWS Giants, North Melbourne and West Coast Eagles as part of the current AFL season, and all have met Queensland Government requirements to be in the state, and at the resort, safely. The teams have, and will, continue to live by strict protocols that are designed to protect the teams, resort staff and the wider community.
2. Where are the teams coming from?
One team has been located on the Gold Coast since mid-July and two teams will be arriving from Perth, where they have been subject to a strict quarantine period since mid-July.
3. Are the players, support staff and families safe?
All AFL players, officials and families staying at the resort are subject to strict AFL protocols that include COVID-19 testing twice a week and minimising interaction with the general public. The protocols developed in conjunction with the relevant medical professionals are in place to not only protect the players but importantly the wider community. We have worked closely with the AFL to minimise any disruption for residents and take every precaution to put their safety and wellbeing first.
All players, support staff and family members have either been on the Gold Coast since mid-July or have been in quarantine in Perth.
4. Why was InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort selected?
The resort offers extensive grounds and ample space for the players, support staff and families to stay safely and ensure the AFL season can continue. It also provides a safe and secure location for them to avoid interacting with the public and to ensure they are protected from the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
The resort is a COVID-safe approved venue and as part of InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), one of the world’s largest hotel groups, the resort already works to COVID-specific training and operating procedures, underpinned by IHG’s industry-leading “Way of Clean” programme that exceeds any operating requirements from Queensland Health and global health authorities.
5. Can the players, support staff and families leave the hotel grounds?
Players, support staff and families will be able to leave the hotel under strict conditions and for only short periods of time, ensuring they limit any exposure to the public or themselves. While they can visit the Marine Village for the sole purpose of collecting takeaways meals and coffees (or visiting a restaurant that is booked out for exclusive use by the AFL), they will not be remaining in public places for extended periods of time.
6. Is there a risk to residents or visitors in the Marina Village or Marina?
While we cannot eliminate all risk and should continue to be vigilant, the risk is no greater to the public than any other public location on the Gold Coast. We are confident that the AFL and resort have the precautions, policies and procedures in place to operate with the highest level of safety through this period. Players, support staff and families are subject to highly stringent COVID-19 protocols in accordance with AFL protocols and guidance from Queensland Health and the Australian Government.
Please join Matt Rippin and me in making the players, support staff and their families feel welcome. We are looking forward to this unique opportunity to showcase Sanctuary Cove to the rest of Australia, and to play our part in providing a safe environment for the AFL to continue this season.
Kind regards,
Paul Sanders
Executive General Manager
Posted 28 August 2020
