An update on WPRFC’s approach to the COVID-19 virus as it stands today.
At the time of writing the RFU have not felt it necessary to develop
or issue specific guidelines on action to take regarding COVID-19 and
have instead referred us to the government guidance. This includes the
COVID-19: guidance for educational settings which can be used to
support our decision-making regarding COVID-19. With regards to
assessing the risk posed by COVID-19 to all members and supporters,
the Club recognises that education settings represent our closest
cousins when seeking guidance from the PHE. Click on the following
link for full details on the guidance from the government to education
settings.
(https://www.gov.uk/.../guidance-to-educational-settings...)
Winnington Park’s position with regard to COVID-19
Our aim is to continue playing rugby (tag and contact) across all
groups in the club until there is specific directive from the
government or our governing bodies to alter or halt playing rugby, and
the club will operate as usual for all other events
However, as rugby is a contact sport there may be an increased risk to
our members as the spread of COVID-19 is most likely to happen when
there is close contact with an infected person. This is however a low
risk at the moment but we will continue to monitor the situation.
As a community and family club, we do have a number of siblings and
members who are in the high-risk category through illness or age whose
welfare we need to think about; not just the super athletic players! I
would therefore ask all players, parents, coaches and supporters to
familiarise themselves with the guidance, especially relating to
returning travellers from Category 1 or Category 2 countries since the
outbreak of COVID-19 and to follow the current advice provided.
https://www.gov.uk/.../covid-19-specified-countries-and...)
Guidance is also available on home isolation and when this is appropriate.
https://www.gov.uk/.../wuhan.../advice-sheet-home-isolation
The key public health message is still to focus on handwashing and I
therefore ask that you encourage your children to wash their hands as
set out in the guidance
https://www.gov.uk/.../public-information-campaign...
At this is an evolving situation we will continue to monitor the
situation and if the guidance changes I will be in touch again.
If you have any concerns, please do call NHS111 or visit NHS111 online
(https://111.nhs.uk/).
Further information can be found here:
NHS Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
PHE: https://www.gov.uk/.../coronavirus-covid-19-information...
Preventing the spread of infection - Make sure that you and your
children follow these general principles to prevent spreading any
respiratory virus:
Wash your hands often (recommended 5 times a day) – with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap
and water aren’t available
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
If you feel unwell, stay at home and don’t attend work or school
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the
home If you’re worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111 –
don’t go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment
The health and safety of all members of our community remains our most
important priority and we will continue to update you as and when we
receive further guidance.
