COVID-19 update
Dear members,
Essex Rebels Junior Basketball Club provides the following update on the club’s activities.
Following the emergence of five, positive, COVID-19 diagnoses amongst the University of Essex’s Performance Basketball teams, and in order to ensure the prerequisite actions are undertaken to track and trace all affected, alongside limiting the activities that might lead to further transmission of the virus, Essex Sport has elected to temporarily close all the sports facilities at the university. The restriction came into force at 6pm on Friday 25 September.
So, what does this mean for the club?
Well, as a consequence of the temporary closure of the university’s sports facilities, all club-training activities have been suspended until further notice. Further updates, on the re-opening date, will be provided over the coming days.
By way of background, and despite not showing any symptoms, five participants of the university’s Performance Basketball teams tested positive for COVID-19 after undertaking a private, self-administered test. Following this, all five were advised to go into a period of self-isolation alongside all the individuals
identified by the subsequent ‘track and trace’ process.
Two of those identified as testing positive for COVID-19 were also members of the club. Both individuals are currently self-isolating in line with NHS guidelines. A ‘return to play’ assessment will be carried out by the club’s COVID Officer prior to these individuals returning to routine club activities.
Following receipt of the positive results, and in accordance with the club’s COVID-19 guidelines, the club’s ‘track and trace’ procedures were immediately initiated and all club members, who might have come into contact with the affected individuals, were duly informed, and have since been advised to self-isolate.
The Director of Public Health, in reviewing the circumstances, was content that all the appropriate steps had been taken by the University and the club to reduce the risk of contagion.
Now, whilst there has been swift action to enact all the necessary safeguards in line with the club, Basketball England, and UK Government guidance, we understand that you may have questions, or concerns, relating to the aforementioned development. To this end, please feel free to contact the club’s Welfare Officer (also the DCPO and COVID Officer), Liam McDougall at [email protected].
I appreciate the developments in this update will be frustrating for many. However, the safety of our membership, and that of the wider community, are paramount as we try to weave through the unprecedented situation that is the COVID-19 pandemic.
And while it’s true that there are many more tests being conducted today than there was at the onset of the pandemic, there is clear evidence of an accelerating spread of the virus. It is, therefore, vital that we all work together to comply with the club’s COVID guidelines to help keep our children, and the voluntary staff sacrificing their time and effort to teach them, safe and reduce the risk of contagion.
Finally, and on behalf of the club’s management team, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire membership; thank you for your patience and understanding through these difficult and challenging times.
Kindest regards
Rob Angira
Club Director
