At the HLTC committee meeting last night we discussed when doubles play should restart. This is a summary of the things considered:
- Getting back to playing doubles is important – members are keen to play
- We are lucky that our sport is one that is allowed, as it is outdoors and can be played under social distancing guidelines
- Keeping members safe from coronavirus is paramount. We don’t want HLTC to become a hotspot, nor to have to temporarily close the courts following an outbreak
- While incidence of coronavirus has reduced in London and the south, infection rates in the north west are nearly twice as high (research at King’s College, London)
- R rate in Wirral is high at 0.82 (see chart), with Hoylake noted as having the highest incidence of cases
- According to a Liverpool medical consultant R rate in Liverpool is above 1 (2nd June). His advice, particularly as SAGE advisors believe the Government is lifting lockdown restrictions too soon, is to monitor the situation and not make changes just yet.
- At the club, we want to try to do the right thing at the right time
- The club has already been touched by coronavirus; some members having mild symptoms, others more severe. We must take this seriously to avoid spreading the virus ourselves.
- Social distancing, hygiene and a safe environment are all important
- Taking all of these things into account, the committee have decided, in line with LTA guidelines, that a thorough risk assessment should be carried out before doubles play restarts. This will take a few days.
- Tennis is excellent exercise, but not essential. Health is.
- We hope members will respect this decision and follow the guidelines that will be put in place.
Thank you for your help and cooperation at this challenging time.