Chess players may be at particular risk of coronavirus due having to shake hands, share pieces and sit in a room for hours opposite people who may have traveled from far afield to be there.
So as cases of coronavirus rise, we would like to pass on to club members and anyone attending the club the latest advice from the Surrey County Chess Association.
Please note: Battersea’s weekly chess night will still take place on Tuesday, from 7.30pm.
Coronavirus – County Chess Guidance
To SCCA County Chess Captains
In view of the Coronavirus issue the SCCA Board is monitoring the advice of Public Health England (PHE) and it has also consulted with the SCCU President.
At this stage PHE has not advised against general travel (except to specific foreign destinations) or attending public gatherings in the UK. We are, therefore, currently proceeding on the basis that the remaining county matches for this season will be played.
PHE does provide detailed advice on personal hygiene including protocols for washing hands with soap and water and covering the mouth when coughing. See details below.
“Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.”
Full details of this guidelines are on the relevant government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Please advise your team regarding the above and also announce at the start of any match about the importance of personal hygiene to minimise the risk of transmission.
Although not mandated by PHE at this time SCCA Board believe that it would be sensible that the usual chess protocol can be suspended – so that players who do not wish to shake hands before and after a match should feel under no compulsion to do so, at this time. We are not opposing handshaking until Public Health England provide that advice but players should be asked to take no offence if their opponent does not want to.
SCCA Board will continue to monitor what is likely to be a fluid situation and further guidance will be provided when there is a need to do so as driven by PHE advice.
Peter Lawrence
SCCA County Match Secretary
2 March 2020
