Coronavirus Update

Dear Swimmers, Water Polo players, Masters Swimmers, Parents & Swim Lesson Parents

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) has prompted unprecedented changes within our community and the world of sport.  In my previous email I mentioned that USA Swimming released a moratorium on all competitions scheduled for the next thirty days.  Since then I have also learned that Miami Country Day School has made the decision to temporarily close the campus to all students and all activities effective 3:30 pm Friday, March 13.

This means that all Swim Team, Masters & Swim Lesson happenings will be suspended starting tomorrow afternoon and continue to at least Sunday March 29th.  During our stoppage I will receive further direction and instructions on how MCDS will look to precede and when we can plan to return to normal activities. 

This certainly comes at a very tough time for our young athletes, most of whom have worked so hard to be in peak physical, mental and emotional condition for this Championship Season.  Feeling angry, shocked, sad, frustrated or any similar emotion is going to be a natural response for all. It is definitely not “fair”, nor is it the way any of us wanted things to go, but it is what we now have to deal with.  I ask that we recognize that these decisions were out of our control and are made with the best intentions for the safety and well-being of our children and all the members involved.

In this very difficult time we ask that you stay informed, as the situation is likely to change rapidly in the weeks ahead. Continue to check the CDC website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus for the most up to date information regarding affected countries and areas, designation status, quarantine, and health monitoring procedures.

We continue to stress the importance of preventing the spread of infection and share the following information being circulated by healthcare officials:

  1. Avoid getting closer than six feet to anyone coughing or sneezing; 
  2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that has 60-95% alcohol. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
  3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
  4. Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands;
  5. Stay home if you are sick, and away from the pool and from fellow team members;
  6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly;
  7. Monitor the WHO and CDC websites for travel advisories and follow their recommendations.

Everyone is encouraged to seek further information using the CDC and the WHO websites:

 

Please make sure you plan NOT to come to practice tomorrow afternoon. 

Remember this remains a dynamic situation and we will update you as soon as we have any more information.

Stay healthy.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

 

I look forward to seeing you poolside!

Coach Eric