Robert Angotti, Chief Instructor
Over the past several weeks I have been evaluating the COVID situation while also listening to members about their interest and availability for practice. We have started to add some partner practice sessions.
As we begin to implement this plan, I need to emphasize how important it is for each of us to prevent further COVID spread. While some of you may be concerned about being exposed, I am asking all of you to be concerned about spreading the virus as asymptomatic carriers. Our hospitals are at capacity and any further spread increases the likelihood of more disease and death. Your training partner will become part of your inner COVID circle once you begin to practice together. Please do everything in your power to protect them and everyone they come into contact with while diligently limiting that inner circle.
The following is a list of rules for safe practice. If you don’t think you can honor these rules at this time, please refrain from engaging in partner practice.
- No Practice unless there are No Symptoms– Immediate, honest communication with your partner is essential. Please report any symptoms to your partner immediately and halt all practices sessions until we have assessed the situation. Dan grades must report these situations to me.
- No practice when there is a Positive Direct Close Contact– Any member who has been in contact with a COVID positive person should stop practice and consult your Dr. about quarantine protocols and testing. When in doubt please error on the side of caution by cancelling practice. In cases where you have been in significant contact with someone who has some symptoms but has not had a COVID test, please pause practice until you learn more. Dan grades must report these situations to me.
- Reduce your inner circle– I believe it is simply responsible citizenship right now to significantly reduce the number of people you have contact with. If you can’t stay more than six feet away from people, avoid that location. Training is a privilege right now and it requires discipline just to preserve access to it. Ideally, reduce your inner circle to those you live with, work with, and your training partner. Tell everyone in your circle that you need to protect others in that circle and that you would like them to pass along any information you might need to know.
- Always mask up outside of your circle– Masks slow the spread. As a society, we have agreed to speed limits and traffic signs to protect one another and wearing masks no different. Make sure you have a good mask and know how to use it.
Members, thank you for your patience and support. I realize that none of us our getting what we had hoped from training right now. However, through diligence and willing sacrifice we will be able to train together again soon. Stay well!
