DBYC Response to Covid-19 as at 19 March 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE COMMODORE & COMMITTEE OF DBYC
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In response to the current health crisis regarding the spread of COVID-19, the Commodore & Committee of DBYC has discussed and agreed on a range of measures to balance our twin aims of continuing to run our sailing program and protecting the health of members and their families. 

We have considered much advice from a range of sources including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Australian Government and Australian Sailing.  It should be noted that we are fortunate to be a sport that allows for a natural separation between participants and that personal contact is not generally necessary to participate in sailing.  Our view is, providing all sensible precautions are observed (see below), the risk to our members and guests at the Club remains low.  Along with all safety precautions, the owner/skipper and crew of each boat are ultimately responsible for deciding to participate.

We are also guided by the evidence that participation in sport, community interactions and outdoors activity delivers a range of physical and mental health benefits that we are keen to maintain.

Key Points:

1. The DBYC sailing program will continue as planned with specific measures taken to protect everyone’s health.
2. This decision may be altered at any stage if there is a further change of circumstances or official advice – this is a week-to-week prospect and we will continue to advise members on a minimum weekly basis.
3. We need all members and guests of DBYC to play their part in ensuring the health of everyone present at DBYC.

Specific Measures:

• If you have travelled internationally in the last 14 days you are not permitted to attend the Club.
• If you have any flu-like symptoms, a temperature, a cough, are sneezing or have any other symptoms of a cold, regardless of whether you have travelled overseas, you are not permitted to attend the Club.
• If persons within your immediate family, workplace or friendship group display flu-like symptoms or are diagnosed with COVID-19 you must not attend the Club for 14 days.
• If you feel unwell within 14 days after visiting DBYC please advise the Club immediately (contact secretary@dbyc.com.au).
• We ask you to follow the personal hygiene advice issued by the Government with regard to hand washing.
• Avoid physical contact as best as possible – no handshakes - and maintain the recommended “social distancing” of 1.5 metres between each person.

For the most up to date, official information – go to: www.health.gov.au

DBYC will be increasing our cleaning regime across the Club but we can only do so much – the responsibility to act sensibly sits with those who enter the Club either for sailing, participation or social reasons.  Everyone who enters the club is expected to follow current hygiene advice, including:

• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• Disposing of tissues immediately in a landfill bin
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, including before /after eating, after going to the toilet and following any cough, sneeze or nose/mouth contact
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• Use single-use or freshly washed water bottles and when filling a bottle, ensure it is not in contact with the tap/faucet.

In terms of our specific club practices and customs:

• It will be every individual’s choice whether they attend DBYC or take part in sailing activities, particularly for those that participate in two-person boats.
• We will require all people at the Club to record their presence in a register provided to track attendance
• Where practical we will operate single-person support boats although using pairs of immediate family members where available will be an option.
• We will only sell/supply pre-packaged food via the Galley Canteen and will not offer a lunch service.
• Although we will continue to announce results & a debrief of racing after each sailing session, this will be kept brief, managed to allow for social distancing and will not involve shared food. 
• Further planned gatherings in the season schedule (e.g. Pack-up day, EGM & Prize Giving) will be considered on a case-by-case basis in the coming weeks and members will be notified of any extra measures taken.  We are currently operating under limits of 100 people in one room and 500 people outside although this regulation may be altered in future.

​We ask that our people, members and guests follow these guidelines and show care for each other during this time.  Each of you can play your part in respectfully reminding others of these practices if they unconsciously act outside the recommendations – in particular, parents are asked to monitor their children’s actions and encourage safe practices. 

It goes without saying that this is a very challenging period for all of us. We remain committed to doing all we can to keep our Members safe and we look forward to still seeing you at the Club.

Susan Thompson
Commodore
Davey's Bay Yacht Club.