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Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update

Simon Brailey12 Mar 2020 - 11:18
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Good morning everyone,

I felt it appropriate to update you all on the latest advice and consideration surrounding the Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The latest update from Devon FA is below, however this situation could rapidly change.

Devon FA Latest
Following the U.K Chief Medical Officer's decision to raise the Coronavirus risk from low to moderate, we would like to provide the following update to our league, clubs and referee's.

The FA is following Government advice which at the time of writing, does not offer any advice to say that we should not be shaking hands, but highlights and emphasis's the need for good hand hygiene at all times.

However, if teams feel happier not to shake hands (or to try an alternative method like fist bumping) then that is absolutely their choice and Leagues are encouraged to be understanding of teams making this choice. Should teams decide not to shake hands or opt for an alternative method this must be conveyed to the match referee before the teams enter the field of play.

Alternatively a League may choose to issue a policy to remove the procedural pre/post match handshake, but this would be solely at the discretion of the League.

The FA is actively monitoring and adopting Government advice, and as a matter of good practice would recommend that Leagues and Clubs adopt the same approach.
We have been following NHS and Public Health England guidelines regarding to the Covid-19 outbreak in the United Kingdom, we recommend all of our members do the same, by using the links below.

Anyone concerned that they may have symptoms, however mild, should call 111 immediately.

You will see in the above that post match handshakes for players are still deemed okay and the league have given us no steer, however I have made the decision today that ALL Alphington Teams will adopt a "no handshake" policy with immediate effect, I have asked managers and coaches to speak with opposition teams and refs on match days.

The safety of all our players and coaches comes first and I believe that this is the right approach to take.

With regard to our Thursday evening Youth training nights and future planned events like Duck Race on 24th May and Presentation Day on 7th June where we will have a large gathering of people, we are monitoring how things are developing and will update everyone in due course.

I hope you all feel this is the right approach and as always please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

Simon Brailey
Chairman
Alphington Football Club

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