As we sit on the cusp of another new year, there’s a new kid on the block – Omicron, which is presenting us with new challenges and a constantly evolving flow of information. As always, the SCRA committee will endeavour to update members on any specific advice that comes to us via Sport Scotland.
At this point in time, outdoor contact sports, such as rowing, can continue bringing both mental and physical health benefits at this time of year. The advice is to take measures which are reasonably practicable to minimise opportunities for the virus to spread. It is still a requirement for clubs to maintain a record of who goes out in a boat and when, to assist with Track and Trace, should a case of Covid emerge.
Clubs should consider re-visiting guidance issued earlier in the year, such as sanitising hands, cleaning boats, gaps between sessions etc. With the First Minister urging people to limit the number of social contacts and households mixing indoors, we ourselves should be mindful of indoor activities such as boat maintenance sessions, gathering for meetings, fundraising events etc.
Clubs with clubhouses and sheds will have their own policies regarding the wearing of masks indoors, social distancing etc and now is a good opportunity to revisit these and make sure protocols are communicated to everyone.
On a positive note, we now have the benefit of vaccinations and access to lateral flow tests.
These tests are simple to carry out and government advice is to test yourself regularly, whether you feel unwell or not.
Finally, news has reached us of more than one club who have reworked popular Christmas songs in response to Omicron, which helps keep safety at the forefront of our minds.
“Oh the virus outside is frightful, but the sea is so delightful, so if anyone plans to row, do a flow, do a flow, do a flow”
Credit: Katie McLean FWSC.
The challenge is on. Can your club come up with something better?
Please stay safe.