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Health spotlight on fans as cricket resumes

Domestic cricket makes it latest start to a season ever on Saturday with a Twenty20 doubleheader at Wellington Oval (File photograph by Akil Simmons)

Cricket makes the latest start ever to a domestic season in Bermuda this weekend, with six Twenty20 matches in the Premier Division and First Division, and guidelines for spectators that outline the stark realities of the new normal. With the country still in Phase 4 of reopening the economy, the Bermuda Cricket Board has won permission from the Department of Health to host maximum crowds of 250 at the four dedicated venues.All other gatherings on island are restricted to a maximum of 50 unless permission has been gained from the Ministry of National Security.Wellington Oval will the busiest of the four venues — which include Somerset Cricket Club, White Hill Field and Lord’s in St David’s, as it hosts double-headers on both days — with the 4pm match-up between Bailey’s Bay and Southampton Rangers on Saturday the pick of the weekend’s fixtures.While the cricketers may be rusty and lack some motivation with Cup Match and county matches cancelled, the spectators will have to be on their best behaviour for reasons of public health. Directives for fans have been enforced in keeping with guidelines that have been drawn up to follow advice from the International Cricket Council, the World Health Organisation, the Bermuda Health Council and other government agencies.They include:• Must arrive early to avoid congestion at gate• Maximum of 250 persons allowed inside the grounds• If you feel ill in any way, do not enter the grounds• All spectators will have to pay an entry fee of $5• Must wear a mask when moving around the grounds• Social-distancing is in effect, six feet apart with groups no larger than 20• Bathrooms will be accessible, with one person entering the bathroom at a time• Senior citizens (65+) and children under the age of 12 should be aware of the health risk before entering the grounds• All spectators will be barred from entering the players’ zoneWeekend scheduleSaturdayWellington Oval: Devonshire Rec v Warwick (noon); Bailey’s Bay v Southampton Rangers (4pm).SundaySomerset Cricket Club: Cleveland v Somerset Bridge (noon); Somerset v St David’s (4pm).Wellington Oval: Flatts v Western Stars (noon); St George’s v Willow Cuts (4pm).• To view the guidelines for spectators for printing purposes, click on the PDF link under “Related Media