CW Covid-19 Response Update

Message to CW Rugby Community from Matt Gordon, President of CW Rugby

(Readers will note a number of updated messages, not the least being ALL club activities being suspended.)

Current Situation

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic as it continues to spread across the globe. As you may be aware, the virus has been present in British Columbia for a number of weeks. BC Rugby, out of an abundance of caution, has suspended Inter-club activity for March 14 and 15. This applies to all age groups and divisions. BC Rugby will take this time to evaluate the situation early next week and subsequent communication on current events will be forthcoming once decisions have been made. CW fully supports these measures.

On March 13, 2020, Rugby Canada announced it has made the decision to suspend all sanctioned rugby activities nationally effective March 14 until at least April 10. These activities include all inter-Provincial and Club competitions and training sessions, international and domestic tours, and all training & education courses for officials & coaches. Rugby Canada’s full statement can be found HERE

New CW Restrictions

Until at least April 10, all internal club activities are suspended. This includes practices. This full suspension includes any/all activities. Usage of CW fields is forbidden – including any informal gatherings, touch or training of any kind.

Until further notice, any and all planned CW tours are suspended pending further evaluation and consideration. This means any travel by a CW player or organizer does so on their own accord and without CW support.

Current travel restrictions by the federal government highly recommend no non-essential international travel by Canadians. The advice from the Provincial Chief Medical Officer (effective March 12, 2020) is that any person from B.C. who travel internationally, including to the U.S.A., is expected to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return. Further, if there is a planned touring side visiting CW in March of 2020, the touring side needs to be notified there will not be a game available to them. Any touring fixtures planned for April, May or June should be advised immediately by the CW coordinating member that the possibility of cancellation is under consideration based on best available information closer to the event.

Best Practices

In general, based on latest updates by the federal and provincial governments, all members are asked to reinforce the following amongst the CW community:

·        Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread)

·        Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands; and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow)

·        Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

·        Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation)

·        Practice social-distancing (minimum 1-metre between others)

·        Do not participate in any gatherings of 50 or more people

·        Leave home only for essential tasks

What to do if you show any symptoms

If you are showing Covid-19 symptoms, you should seek medical care just as you would with any contagious illness. This means you should remain at home, if necessary call 8-1-1 for advice and be prepared to self-isolate and monitor your health or visit a physician if you are directed to do so. If your symptoms are severe, you should either call 9-1-1 if you are unable to present yourself to an Emergency room.

Reliable Information Sources
It is essential that CW and our community are making decisions based on the best possible information and expert advice. Please visit the website for the B.C. Centre for Disease Control HERE for the most accurate and up-to-date information on Covid-19.