Following the announcement that Birmingham will be put into Tier 2 restrictions, Edgbaston Priory Club has updated the guidance for Members.
TENNIS
The LTA have now released the protocols for tennis for those areas under Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions.
Under the new legislation, the Government has defined racket sports (including tennis) as being activity that involves mixing because they require at least two people for it to happen, despite them being on opposite sides of a net. This means that in Tier 2 areas, tennis for adults indoors is now limited to play between people in the same household/support bubble or one to one coaching (with an exemption for tennis activity for disabled people, and for under 18s). However, the LTA have continually argued that tennis is a naturally socially distanced sport that can be played safely, and will continue to put the case to Government for tennis to be treated appropriately.
We have created a simple to use guide for members outlining all our activities which we recommend you download here.
We are opening up as much general booking availability as possible on the outdoor courts for members.
SQUASH AND RACKETBALL
England Squash have now had confirmation from Sport England on what the Tier 1/2/3 Covid-19 restrictions look like for squash and racketball.
The protocols have been put in place for all clubs and have been clarified with the government. It is therefore extremely important for us to comply with these protocols to ensure we remain safe for everyone and the club remains open to members.
Please click here for the link to the updated England Squash guidance.
Unfortunately, the key difference is that full court play is now only permitted between members of a single household or a legally permitted support bubble. This means our bubbles of six which were in place are now no longer permissible.
As you will see, adult members can only do solo sessions, unless they form a household or support bubble. We have put together some training videos to help inspire you to improve your technique ready for when you get back on court for full match play. Take a look at our website for ideas for solo play.
You can still get a very good workout on your own and hitting a ball on court is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mental wellbeing. Junior group coaching and one-to-one coaching for adults and juniors are able to and will continue.
GYM & FITNESS ACTIVITIES
Exercise classes can take place indoors where it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with. The measures we currently have in place on courts, the gym, pools, fitness classes do enable members to continue to enjoy staying fit and playing sport whilst minimising social interaction. We urge members to continue to follow these measures to keep everyone safe and secure. This includes:
- Maintain social distance before and after your booked session. You should not be mingling with people from other households. Coaches and class instructors will be ensuring social distancing is maintained during their sessions.
- Follow any directional signs in place to maintain social distancing
- Wear face masks to and from sessions and whilst in any communal area around the club (unless you are exempt)
- Sanitise your hands before and after any session and clean equipment
BAR & BISTRO
In light of the revised restrictions, the following new measures will be come into effect from Wednesday 14th October:
No mixing of households at indoor tables
Members can no longer sit at an indoor table with members from another household, unless they form part of a legally-permitted support bubble. This applies to all areas including the main bar, bistro, family lounge and business lounge.
Outdoor tables must follow the rule of six
Members can sit at an outside table following the existing “Rule of 6” guidelines from any number of households. Members using the outdoor tables must exit the clubhouse in a socially distanced manner.
Advance table bookings only
Bookings must be made in advance for indoor and outdoor tables using the online portal. Reservations cannot be made over the phone and we will not be able to accept “walk in” bookings.
Food and drink to be ordered online only
To limit the amount of close contact between staff and members, orders for food and drink must be made via the online ordering service available at your table. There will be no surcharges for using this system. However, we will no longer be taking orders at the table.
The recent government announcement with enhanced restrictions comes at a time when we were seeing a significant increase in footfall in the bar & bistro. We have also seen unprecedented demand for other facilities at the club. We fully understand that these restrictions will be frustrating for members who wish to continue to use the club as they have been doing in recent months. However, we must play our part in adhering to the new rules and will assist in any way we can as we navigate our way together through the challenges ahead.
