The current situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the world presents challenges to everyone. In light of the World Health Organisation declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, we want to assure our community that the YMCC Board is discussing coronavirus daily and is receiving regular updates from Hockey Australia, AIS and AOC Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr David Hughes, who is working closely with the Federal Department of Health, to ensure our club is prepared and that our members wellbeing is our top priority. Things are developing rapidly and a lot of information needs to be assessed.
It is important that as a club, we provide the latest information based on facts and share that information to encourage people to stay informed and take action on advice from reputable sources who are at the forefront of this virus in Australia.
On Friday the 13th March the Club sent out a note to say that training and trials will continue over the course of the weekend. The trials in fact happened at Shenton and I wish to thank all juniors, parents and volunteers who attended and helped make things run smoothly. I was there for most of the seasons and was really impressed with the skills on display.
I know that a few schools are in the process of making calls regarding sports, (PSA etc.) but have also emphasised the importance of sport and outdoor activity in maintaining physical strength and psychological peak and we ask that you talk as a family about how you can maintain your fitness.
Yesterday, (15th March 2020) I participated in the Hockey WA AGM and they confirmed that they will be holding a series of meetings over the coming days to discuss the season. Until such time as we hear further notifications, Hockey Australia recommends all members (players, team staff, spectators) of hockey clubs, associations and leagues implement (at a minimum) the below set of actions for upcoming training sessions and matches:
Replace handshaking at the start and conclusion of games with (for example) simply tapping sticks on the ground, fist pump or a thumbs up.
Use labelled water bottles. These must be strictly single person use. Avoid use of communal water bottles.
Take care with food handling at games; for example, oranges or lollies at half-time or fulltime. Use tongs to serve or reconsider shared food.
Mouth-guards should be washed after each game, followed by cleaning of hands.
Continue to cover nose and mouth with tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Keep 1.5m distance from anyone that is coughing or sneezing.
Use alcohol-based hand wash.
All players and officials should wash their hands with soap and water and dry with paper towel prior to and after games. Please maintain a high level of personal hygiene.
Gloves should be worn when attending to players with injuries – especially against blood exposure but also to prevent contact with mouth-guards.
Any club member with flu-like symptoms should self-exclude from playing, training and spectating at the first sign of the symptoms and seek medical advice.
Yesterday, the Australian Government announced new measures to protect the Australian community in its response to the COVID-19 virus. This includes the requirement that all individuals arriving in Australia from an international destination must self-isolate for 14 days.
The health and welfare of our YMCC community is our foremost priority.
As with all our COVID-19 management, we continue to remain alert but not alarmed. Thank you once again for your understanding during these uncertain times.
