Club statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 11th, 2020

Following the developing situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve been asked questions about our intentions regarding forthcoming events at different levels across our club and our plans to take precautionary measures.

At the moment we have no plans to cancel or postpone any upcoming friendlies, practices or training camps at any level across the club. This is in line with current government guidance that at present there is no reason people should stop doing their daily sport and physical activities as they normally would, and also that there is no current rationale to close or cancel sporting events.

This stance may change as the situation continues to evolve, and we will continue to monitor, review and react to all available guidance from both the Scottish and UK governments, as well as our National Governing Body – The British American Football Association – and industry bodies such as the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

In the meantime, we ask players and staff to take these sensible precautions to reduce their risk of getting and spreading respiratory infections by:

  • maintaining good hand hygiene – regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol hand sanitiser – especially before eating, drinking or handling food and after coughing, sneezing and going to the toilet
  • avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • avoiding direct contact with people who are unwell and avoiding using their personal items such as their mobile phone
  • covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and disposing of them in the nearest waste bin after use. If no tissues are available, use a sleeve.
We also ask players, coaches and staff to do the following:
  • bring their own individual water bottles to practices, games and events and not to share these with others
  • stay home if you feel unwell. Phone your GP practice if you have developed a high temperature, cough or shortness of breath. If you GP is closed, phone NHS 24 (111). Don’t go to your GP practice in person, phone for advice from home.
  • if you think you’ve been in close contact with someone with confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19), stay home and use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.

More information
You can find more guidance and information from the UK government here – https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
A free helpline has also been set up for people who do not have symptoms but are looking for general advice: 0800 028 2816
BAFA statement on Coronavirus – https://www.britishamericanfootball.org/news/bafa-statement-on-coronavirus#.XmkBpnLgqUk

 

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