ELTC Covid-19 Update – 11/09/20

Dear Members

Following recent LTA updated guidance (PDFs attached to this email), we want to remind you of a few important things:

  • It is important that we comply with the Government’s strategy to Test and Trace the spread of the virus. We will rely on the Clubspark system and the records of all members who organise tennis play (coaches, fixed four organisers, etc.) should it be necessary for us to assist the authorities in tracing. In order for ELTC to comply, all those who book courts must keep a record for at least 21 days of those who played with them. This is easily done via the Clubspark booking system, by adding all players on court to any giving booking entry.
  • The Rule of 6 highlights the need to avoid congregating in front of the clubhouse (and elsewhere) before and after play. If small groups of 6 or fewer wish to socialise before or after play, please do so out of the way, eg on the benches beside court 4.
  • The Rule of 6 underscores the need for social play to be carried out in fixed fours. We would like to re-introduce our mix-in sessions at some point, but this is not yet possible.
  • Players on a given court may either choose to only handle their own tennis balls or to handle shared balls during their game. Please be considerate of those who prefer the former. Players must avoid handling tennis balls belonging to adjacent courts. The LTA also stipulates that if you choose to use shared balls then extra care must be taken to ensure you do not touch your face during play, and you should clean your hands before play and immediately after finishing (use alcohol gel if required).
  • Ensure you leave the court before the end of your allotted time so that it is empty for the next players. We removed the need for a 5-minute gap, but players must be considerate of others by making sure that the court is vacant and available on time to the next group so that they can benefit from their full allotted time.
  • When entering and exiting the club, please follow the arrows on the paving stones to observe the one-way traffic system. This means you must exit the club by going around the back of the clubhouse.

All of the above measures should be interpreted in the context of the UK Government’s and the LTA’s guidance regarding social distancing. The need for ongoing social distancing (2m) must override all other concerns. Thus, members must continue to abide by the ongoing LTA guidance:

  • Players are advised to limit their interactions with anyone outside of the group they are attending the venue with (e.g. players on another court or in a different coaching group).
  • Players should continue to maintain 2m social distancing from those that they do not live with or are in a support bubble with.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best wishes

Eric Rovick

ELTC CHAIRMAN

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