A Return to Squash

Dear Members

In line with recent government announcements, from the 25th July indoor gyms including squash clubs can re-open subject to appropriate measures taken to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection. The Club re-opening will be based on England Squash guidelines which were released on Tuesday. We have formed a Covid-19 support team and have already taken some steps during the lockdown in anticipation of re-opening which include recommissioning of the court extractor fans and installing hand sanitiser stations around the Club: one upon entry, one by the court doors and one upstairs.

In order to re-open and provide a safe environment for members we are obliged to ensure we have completed a thorough Covid-19 risk assessment and developed a practical Covid-19 Secure Plan. Cleaning and good hygiene with social distancing continues to be the most effective method of reducing the risk of Covid-19 infection. There is a lot to do and there will be no immediate return to "squash as normal" pre-lockdown. If you have not already seen the guidelines then here is the link (cut and paste: www.englandsquash/backtosquash) and we would advise you to read through and start to appreciate what the return will look like. Some key points are:

- arriving ready to play 5mins before, no shower and leaving immediately after playing
- use of hand sanitiser on arrival and departure and wipedown of common surfaces eg court door fittings
- no handshaking/physical contact
- solo practice or modified version of squash game called "sides" for two players ( no normal squash for the time being except within a family bubble)
- no wiping hands on court walls!
- all games must be pre-booked, no just turning up
- sign in register. Name and time in/out for contact tracing.

We hope the Club can re-open from 25th July but if the Covid-19 Secure Plan is still not in place then re-opening will be delayed until we are ready and the courts will remain out of use until then. So please wait for the next announcement.

Hopefully we can restart soon in a gradual way and we look forward to your safe return and thank you for your loyal support.

The Committee
Maidstone Squash Club

18/07/2020