|
How we plan to play face-to-face bridge in the era of Coronavirus
Introduction
When we meet to play bridge there will always be risk of infections being exchanged between us and there always has been that risk. We can breathe in viruses and germs from the air or pick them up by touching other people or things others have touched. Many of us have been immunised against Coronavirus which reduces the chance that we might transmit it or catch it or become quite so ill from it, but the chance is not entirely eliminated. Meeting at a bridge club will always carry more risk than not meeting.
Knowle Village Hall has assessed risks of infection and set up some measures to reduce them. The committee of Knowle Bridge Club has looked at what we can do to reduce risks arising from playing bridge. The information below describes how we plan to be as safe as possible.
We can reduce risk but not eliminate risk. Each individual must consider their own case and make their own decision whether or not to attend.
Arriving at Knowle Village Hall
• The hall will be set up ready for play before players come in.
• The outer doors will stay locked until setting up is done and the room is ready for players. Please consider social distances if you are waiting to enter.
• Although face masks are no longer compulsory, we recommend players bring and use them to hinder airborne transmission of infection. Visors would be suitable substitutes for masks.
• Windows will be open for ventilation, so be prepared for the likely temperatures within the hall.
• KBC will not provide facilities for making drinks because of the moving around and touching of items this involved. Please bring what you need with you.
Entering Knowle Village Hall
• Knowle Village Hall has a track and trace code to be scanned.
• Names of everyone attending will be recorded via KBC’s bridge scoring system.
• Hand sanitiser is available and should be used.
• Session fees (£2.50p) will be paid on entry by placing correct payment into a collecting bag or entering IOU details on a list.
• The outer doors will be kept locked during play.
• Smokers are responsible for keeping the hall secure while they smoke and locking up again when they re-enter. They should sanitise hands when re-entering.
Entering the main hall
• Follow a one-way system going into the main hall via the smaller room beside the kitchen and coming out through the door opposite the ladies’ toilets door.
• On entry, collect a bidding box which you will keep with you for the entire playing session.
• TD will allocate you a place at a table. (If you and your partner arrive separately, of course you will be put to play together.)
• Village Hall has withdrawn chairs with cloth upholstery and brought out older chairs with vinyl coverings which are easier to sanitise. No chairs that are currently available have arm rests.
• Players should plan to keep their coats and belongings with them throughout the session. East and West must transfer everything each round. It is unlikely that spare chairs will be available to put things on.
• Lists of names will be on each table showing player identity numbers for the scoring system.
During play
• TD will try to play a Mitchell movement so only east and west move about. It is possible there may be some longer sit-outs than is ideal.
• We have lost the habit if playing long sessions, so TD will plan a session should ensure we finish before 10pm.
• TD will wear gloves when issuing scoring tablets and boards.
• Only North will touch and make entries on the scoring tablet but should show entries for opponents to agree to them being authorised.
• Only North and South shall handle the boards and be responsible for passing them on between rounds.
• Each player shall only touch their own cards from each board. Declarer shall nominate cards for partner to play from dummy.
• Although no longer compulsory, masks are recommended. There are no screens on the tables to interrupt airborne transmission of infection.
• Gloves will not be provided, but players are welcome to bring and use their own.
• When going to the toilets please follow the one-way route back into the hall past the kitchen. Knowle Village Hall intend that only one person at once should enter the ladies’ toilets or the gents’ toilets. This is difficult to control, but please try your best.
After playing
• Please stay at your table until all play is ended.
• Printed hand copies will not be provided.
• When you go, leave the tablet, boards and names list on your table.
• Follow the one-way route into the foyer and out of the building, taking all your belongings with you and putting your bidding box into a crate by the door.
Behind the scenes
• Names lists, tablecloths, bidding boxes and the TD’s computer will be quarantined until next week.
• Tablets will be taken for recharging and will be sanitised when that is done.
• Boards and playing cards will be quarantined for a fortnight. During that period they will be re-dealt by machine whose operator will wear mask and gloves.
• Payments and IOU list will be quarantined for a week.
• Tables and chairs will be sanitised then put away ready for the next hall users.
• Windows will be closed, lights extinguished, switches & catches sanitised.
• Refuse will be bagged and binned.
• Results will appear on KBC’s Bridgewebs website and names of participants will be included and stored there.
General considerations
All this will take a bit of getting used to and players must exercise patience while the organisers try to get things right and do all the setting up and putting away that players previously joined in with.
There is rather more work for the organisers than previously to do the setting up, clearing away and sanitising without all the players routinely helping.
If anyone wants to volunteer to come a little earlier and help set up or stay a little later and help clear away it would be much appreciated.
Volunteer TDs are always welcome.
Any volunteers please contact Paul on paul.hardstaff@blueyonder.co.uk or 01564 205363.
|