Spread the word, nothing else

The info. below was originally distributed by BBLRC and has also been circulated by the Cygnet Captain. All good advice but it shouldn't come as new to you. We've always advocated keeping kit washed-down, both in the boat house and in The Shed. The advice is also no to come training if you're ill - nobody else want to catch whatever it is you've got! These are standard precautions that you should always follow regardless: COVID-19 isn't the only nasty bug out there, especially when Thames water keep emptying the sewers into the river every time it rains hard.

#keepitclean

We thought that it would be helpful if we provided some information and guidance about how the Club proposes to approach the current coronavirus situation. British Rowing does not feel any rowing specific advice is required beyond that issued for the general public, should the advice change we will let you know. If you are experiencing cough, high temperature or flu like symptoms please do not come to the club house until you are better. These symptoms are similar for many illnesses and do not necessarily mean you have coronovirus. Common flu is still widespread in the community and we are more likely to be exposed to it. So please be responsible and don't pass flu on to your fellow club members.

If you have to stay away from the Club because you think you may have flu or you have been advised to self-isolate, please let the Safety Advisor and the Captains know as soon as possible.

In order to minimise any risk of infection when rowing and using the Club, please bear in mind and follow some basic hygiene rules:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often - use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available; it's particularly important to do this after an outing and using blades, using the erg machines or the weights in the shed
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze;
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately;
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell; and
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

We will provide hand soap at the Club in the kitchen and the changing rooms and spray cleaner in the shed. Anti-bacterial spray will not necessarily destroy coronovirus but regular wiping down of the equipment will reduce the likelihood of it hanging around. At the moment, there is no reason for us to stop rowing outings or from using the shed to do weights or ergs. However, the health of everyone who is a member of our Club is important and the Exec will of course keep the situation under review. Rowing Outings and use of the Shed

For the time being, we will continue to run rowing outings and shed sessions as normal. It's important that everyone using rowing blades, weights, erg machines and other Club equipment pays particular attention to washing their hands before and after use.

Coaches and trainers will remind everyone to follow the advice and guidance above, in particular in always washing your hands thoroughly after outings. However, everyone needs to take responsibility for their own hand hygiene. More information about coronovirus The coronavirus causes flu-like symptoms, including coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. For most people, it is not thought to be serious. As with flu, people who are infected will get better in time with rest, plenty of fluids, such as water, and pain relief. However, because there is no vaccine as yet, those who are infected rely on their own immune system to recover. If an individual's immune system is weakened for any reason, there is more cause for concern. You can find more information here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public