Blackheath Squash Club - return to play update

Message from the Committee

Following the Government's confirmation that COVID legal restrictions will be lifted from 19 July England Squash (ES) have issued updated guidance and recommendations to squash clubs on how to operate. ES state:

'Following the UK Government’s announcement that England is moving to step 4 of the roadmap from 19 July 2021, the game of squash is now permitted to be played with no limitations or additional health and safety measures in place. However, it has been stressed by the UK Government that the COVID-19 virus is still prevalent, and that all members of society are expected to play their part in keeping one another as safe as possible whilst returning to more typical daily activities.'

ES has updated its recommendations to clubs and the Committee has updated its guidance to Members in the light of this. The Club's updated guidance and member responsibilities is attached to this e-mail. Members should read the guidance before using the Club.

The Committee is pleased to announce that a number of restrictions on the use of the Club have been lifted, however, certain member responsibilities remain in place and the Committee asks all Members to act safely and responsibly at all times. The headlines are:

- no restriction on numbers on court or in the off-court areas
- no need to maintain social distancing in off-court areas
- wearing of face masks in off-court areas is a matter of personal choice
- showers and changing rooms are re-opened but the Committee encourages members to continue to turn up ready to play and to minimise the use the changing rooms/showers to avoid them becoming crowded
- balcony and kitchen areas open to use
- new member cleaning responsibilities where the changing rooms/showers/balcony/kitchen are used
- continued Member hygiene requirements ie hand sanitise, dont touch court walls, clean courts after use, wipe down touch points
- continued focus on ventilation by using court fans, open doors and windows.

The Committee has decided to keep the current court booking schedule to allow time for the courts to be cleaned and for air clearance. This is not an England Squash recommendation but the Committee feels a cautious approach in this area is appropriate at the current time. Members must only play for 40 minutes, allowing 5 minutes to clean the court and 15 minutes for air clearance

If you have any questions regarding the above message or the attached guidance please reply to this e-mail

On behalf of the Blackheath Squash Club Committee