The government published its updated roadmap on the re-opening of society on Tuesday evening, and the revised public health measures contain good news for bridge clubs. It is also most welcome that, for the first time, the provisions make specific reference to bridge as an activity in its own right.
From 20 September, organised indoor group activities, specifically including bridge clubs, can open for up to 100 patrons, provided:
- they all have proof of immunity (i.e. are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months), and
- appropriate protective measures against COVID-19 are in place.
In addition, bridge classes can take place as above, or without proof of immunity provided that participants can be contained within pods of up to 6 people, suitably distanced, with no intermingling of the pods.
We have published our assessment of the appropriate protective measures here previously. We are recommending that:
- Each club should appoint a COVID officer responsible for managing the club’s approach, communicating it to members, and dealing with any issues that arise
- Perspex table screens should be used at all tables; if screens cannot be used for any reason, then players should wear face masks throughout
- Players should wear face masks on entry and exit, and when moving around, but masks are not necessary at the table if screens are being used
- Playing rooms should be well-ventilated
- Tables should be spaced out to ensure that players are suitably distanced, and players should avoid congregating
- Equipment should not be shared amongst the players where possible – sharing cards is unavoidable for most clubs, but players should use one bidding box throughout, and only North should touch the boards and the scoring equipment
- Players should sanitise their hands regularly, using an alcohol-based sanitiser
It is also essential that any member infected by, or showing symptoms of, COVID-19, should NOT attend live bridge under any circumstances.
The government notice also indicates that a further reduction in restrictions is planned for 22 October, and that revised guidance and advice will be provided at that point. The document stresses that this easing of restrictions is based on:
- The effectiveness of the ongoing vaccination programme
- Continuing protective measures against COVID-19 being implemented
- Personal responsibility applying where regulations are discontinued
- Self-isolation for those infected or with symptoms
and notes that it is expected that some restrictions will remain until at least Spring 2022. It is important to note that the COVID virus has not disappeared, and that we need to remain vigilant. Our members are most likely to return to live bridge if they feel that it is safe to do so. Each club committee must be confident that the club can protect its members appropriately before taking the decision to re-open for live bridge. Ultimately, it is the club itself that is responsible for the safety of its members, and failure to adhere to public health regulations, or a negligent approach to member safety, may invalidate the club’s insurance cover. But provided suitable precautionary measures can be put in place, we now have a blueprint for clubs to adopt in terms of re-opening. The CBAI too hopes to re-open for live bridge events shortly, starting with the Duais an Uachtarain (President’s Prize) across a range of venues on 25 September. Watch this space for further details.
Finally, we include below for completeness a full risk assessment document for bridge activities. While some of the risk-mitigation policies discussed therein have now been overtaken by the government’s revised guidelines, the document will remain a useful guide to clubs in assessing their individual circumstances. Many thanks to Seamus Costello (Secretary, North Eastern Region) for his work in putting it together.
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