20 Mar Coronavirus Statement- Closure Notice
Club Closure Announcement
Dear WRC Members
Your Management Committee met electronically tonight to review external guidance and determine the impact on our club operations. We have re-evaluated the status of the Club during this incredibly challenging time and have made the decision that the Club will close completely with immediate effect.
This includes access to the boat house, clubhouse, erg room and weights room. To reiterate that means no members are permitted on the club site without permission from the Captain. The MC will undertake any visits to site that are absolutely necessary.
We have considered very carefully the advice from British Rowing, the decisions of other clubs and the natural desire for us to get on the water if we can. However the Prime Minister’s recent address to the country was very much focused on every individual acting for the collective good of the nation. Most importantly by not encouraging or hosting unnecessary social gatherings. We need to take social distancing seriously. We have a responsibility to do our own part in stopping the disease and giving doctors a chance to fight it by not encouraging occasions for people to mingle. We concluded that any option to train either risks spreading the virus, through shared equipment and facilities, or does not provide a fair opportunity for every member to continue rowing.
We are sure you all understand that this was a difficult but necessary decision made by the majority of the committee, but not all.
It’s not only club members we have to consider, but members who work with, live with, or are in contact with other ‘at risk’ people.
Stay in touch with each other via social media and maintain your own fitness where you can; go out and bike ride; walk; run; do home circuits but please do not get together as a group to do this.
There’s still lots we can do to for our physical and mental health and Anna will be sending a further update on this in the coming days.
WRC Management Committee
Note on Private Boats
If you want to continue using these boats without the use of club facilities, then we ask for you to remove these from site by Saturday evening.
Information
Visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) for more advice and help
Visit the Government website for current guidelines https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response