Covid-19 Update

COVID-19 UPDATE 9th May 2021

Direct link for updated information may be found here: https://swordfight.uk/COVID-19/

AHF CLUB RESPONSE

The Academy of Historical fencing will continue training as per the government advice concerning the Coronavirus COVID-19. Due to the serious nature of the COVID-19 outbreak we are enacting the following additional rules and conditions to training with the AHF. These are compulsory, failure to comply will result in you being asked to leave the session.

TRAINING, DRILL AND SPARRING RULES

  • Face masks to be worn when entering and leaving the facility, and when fencers are within 2m of one another. Please use the provided facilities to thoroughly clean your hands each time you enter and exit the building.
  • Face masks (covering mouth and nose) to be worn at all times during partnered drills and sparring when within 2m.
  • All physical contact during the session is to be avoided. No grappling, punching, floor work etc.
  • You will need to wear gloves on both hands (of any sort, even cheap gardening gloves will be fine) while using training equipment.
  • No sharing of equipment.
  • Sparring is low intensity and time limited. You must avoid breathing heavily.
  • You must bring your own drinking water. No water will be available on site.

LOCATION RULES (PONTHIR VILLAGE HALL)

  • 30-person maximum indoor capacity in accordance with Welsh government Covid rules. If we have more than this the remaining fencers will be allocated outdoor training space.
  • The usual equipment area is out of bounds, all equipment to be placed on the stage or on the ground beneath the windows.

GENERAL RULES

  • Current government social distancing guidelines to be followed.
  • If you are feeling unwell and have any of the symptoms of coronavirus then please stay at home and begin self-isolation.
  • If you are feeling well and come to a session, and begin to develop symptoms during the session, please speak to the instructors immediately.
  • If you or someone you live with or see regularly is immuno-compromised in any way, or has underlying health problems (especially respiratory issues), or have regular contact with the elderly or other immuno-compromised or vulnerable people, please stay at home.

FACE COVERINGS

The UK and Welsh Government has issued guidance to shops and other settings as to how the face coverings rule should be applied sensitively for people with exemptions. Please do not be offended if we ask you to wear a face covering. If you have an exemption then you can say so and we will make other provisions such as social distancing to ensure you and others stay safe during training.

FURTHER READING

Public Health England – what you need to know (updated daily):

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

Government publication – Stay at home guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection