ELTC COVID-19 UPDATE – 02/12/2020

Dear Member

 

Today we have reopened the club for tennis play, as we had indicated that we would do a week ago. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to be back on court and it was heart-warming to see the courts occupied once again.

 

The LTA have just this evening published their updated guidelines for tennis players, coaches, and venues. We urge you all to be familiar with these guidelines as they set out the rules for our return to play. Please do not attend the club without having familiarized yourself with the contents of the two documents entitled “LTA guidance for tennis players” and “Summary Grid – Tennis Activity by Tier”. See links below:

Summary Grid – Tennis Activity by Tier

lta-guidance-for-tennis-players—covid-19

lta-guidance-for-tennis-venues—covid-19

lta-guidance-for-tennis-coaches—covid-19

 

Please note that Hertfordshire is in a Tier 2 (High alert) area.

 

We are essentially returning to the same situation as we had before Lockdown 2, though our risk level has increased. The guidance documents are comprehensive, so here are just a few of the salient points:

  • Anyone attending a venue (including players, coaches, staff and any other visitors), should undergo a pre-attendance self-assessment for any COVID19 symptoms using the information on the NHS website before leaving home
  • Social distancing remains imperative
  • The Rule of 6 still applies
  • Both singles and doubles are permitted
  • Ensure you leave the court beforethe end of your allotted time so that it is empty for the next players
  • Avoid congregating on or around the court before and after playing to allow access for others. Socializing is not permitted with anyone outside one’s household or bubble.
  • Coaching is permitted, with limitations
  • Spectating and parent/guardian supervision are permitted, but with limitations
  • Inter-club matches are permitted for adults and juniors, but care must be taken to follow all the rules, including travel (particularly between tiered zones)
  • If someone who has played at our Club tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow the Government’s ‘test and trace’ guidelines, which can be read on the Gov.uk website, and, additionally, email [email protected]to inform the Club so that appropriate cleaning and other measures can be put in place.

We hope that the forecast inclement weather will not disrupt play in the coming days and hope to see as many of you as possible back on court in the near future.

 

Best wishes for a safe and healthy December.

Eric Rovick

ELTC Chairman