COVID-19 Coronavirus Update – 22^nd March

On Friday, the Government announced that social spaces such as pubs, gyms and leisure centres must close and all tennis clubhouses and similar social facilities should be closed as soon as possible. However, courts can remain open to help ensure people remain active, subject to strict social distancing and hygiene practices being employed. Since then, further measures and restrictions have been announced on a daily basis.

 

We now feel it appropriate to shut our Clubroom and Summer House in line with this request, from Monday 23rd March. Social tennis which normally takes place on Tuesday and Thursday morning, Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon will also stop from Monday 23rd March. Furthermore, all coaching activity will also cease, both for adults and juniors, because the new hygiene and distancing measures are very difficult to implement and manage, and we feel it’s best to stop coaching altogether.  However, organised singles, fixed fours and court bookings will continue for the time being. The fact that the Clubroom is now closed will mean the lights for Courts 1 and 2 will not be in operation but the lights for courts 4 and 5 can be used.

 

In addition, we are introducing further hygiene and preventive measures. New and nearly new tennis balls will now be stored in a box just inside the gate leading to courts 3, 4 and 5. Please take a tube of balls and keep these for your future individual or group use and don’t put them back in the box. Finally, when playing tennis avoid changing ends between games. The items below highlighted in blue are the latest changes to be made.

 

We request that all of our members play their part in minimising the risks, which for certain age categories, might mean, regrettably, not playing tennis at all.  Please do contact Welfare Officer, Matt Dyson on 07834 789164or mattjdyson@gmail.com or a Committee Member ASAP if you become aware of any cases involving members or visitors.

 

Our aim is to always meet the Government and LTA guidelines but try to provide some respite from home isolation.

 

Take care and keep well.

 

Thank you for your support

 

Ian Gunn (Chairman) & Jitendra Valera (Club Secretary)

 

Current Status

• Playing Tennis. At this stage, and until we receive further advice, we feel it is an individual choice as to whether you or your childrenplay tennis or not, albeit, at your and their own risk.
• Clubroom and Summer House. The Clubroom and Summer House will be closed until further notice.
• Lights. Lights will not be available for courts 1 and 2 but will be available for courts 4 and 5.
• Team matches.All local and Essex league matches are now cancelled until further notice.
• Member Bookings and Fixed Fours.Will continue as normal.
• Social Tennis Sessions.All social tennis sessions are cancelled.
• JuniorCoaching. All Junior coaching will cease from Monday, 23rd March.
• Adult Coaching. All adult coaching will cease from Monday, 23rd March.
• Easter Junior Camps. Easter Camps will not be run this year.
• Social Events: None planned until it is safe to do so.
• Balls.Please try and bring your own tube of balls and retain them. If you need to use the Club balls, new and nearly new balls will be stored in a box inside the gate leading to courts 3, 4 and 5. Take a tube and retain for your future use and don’t put them back.
• Club Tournament. The Club tournament is suspended and there are no plans to run American Tournaments.

Very Important

To prevent the spread of the virus, we ask all members to observe the following practices for the time being:

• Do not play tennis if you are showing symptoms, including a persistent cough or a fever that means you might be carrying the virus.
• Anyone who has been advised to self-isolate as a result of developing symptoms and/or recent international travel to destinations specified by the Government, should clearly not, therefore, take part in tennis activities for the duration of the self-isolation period.
• No person to person physical contact wherever possible. Try to maintain social distancing of at least 2 metres from other people.
• Avoid congregating in groups in the Club grounds or in the Club room before or after playing.
• Avoid close proximity when resting or giving feedback.
• Avoid racket sharing and clean equipment when finished.
• No shaking of hands before or after matches, just touch rackets.
• Avoid changing ends between games.
• Wear gloves if possible to provide extra protection.
• Try to avoid touching your face.
• Ensure best practice in terms of personal hygiene which should include frequent hand washing especially before and after playing given the handling of tennis balls. Use your personal hand-wash or the water and soap provided at the standpipe next to court 3. (This should be in place on Monday 23^rdMarch). Please bring your own towels for drying hands.
• Clean and wipe down work surfaces when finished.