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UPDATED – Motorsport UK COVID-19 advice to UK motorsport community

 

In light of the UK Government updated guidelines on the COVID-19 pandemic (12 March 2020), Motorsport UK has today updated its guidance as to the implications of the outbreak in relation to motorsport.

 

Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK to high.

 

First and foremost, Motorsport UK takes very seriously the concerns and welfare of its members and those associated with the motorsport community.

 

It is important to follow the prevailing advice of the government and its medical experts, advice that the sport’s governing body is monitoring closely.

 

The UK Government has considered cancelling all major public gatherings, but while this remains an option, it has not elected to do so and currently sporting events will go ahead. However the Scottish Government has advised that public gatherings of over 500 should be cancelled from next week. This will affect a minimal number of motorsport events.

 

Notwithstanding this, Motorsport UK urges all event organisers to take the following practical precautions in respect of the events that do proceed: 

 

Symptoms of coronavirus are persistent cough, high temperature, feeling unwell and breathlessness

Participants, volunteers or spectators who feel unwell with any of the symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, or feel they may have been exposed to a risk of infection should not attend the event, and should stay at home and self-isolate for 7 days and follow government advice. There is no need to contact your GP or dial 111 unless your symptoms worsen or you are concerned. Of course in an emergency you should dial 999. Advice for self-isolation is available on the following link: 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

If an event is cancelled or postponed then no undue peer pressure should be put on organisers or volunteers to support the event against the organiser’s judgement

If someone is already at the event and feels unwell with any symptoms, however mild, unless they need immediate medical attention should return home, self-isolate for 7 days and follow the guidance above

Coronavirus spreads via droplets from coughing or sneezing, touching contaminated items like door handles then touching your face. The best way to prevent the spread is hand washing and using a tissue if you cough or sneeze, then immediately placing it in a bin with a lid on

Soap and water are the most effective method for hand washing which should be done frequently and for 20 seconds. In the absence of soap and water use of a hand sanitiser with a minimum content of 60% alcohol is advised

Cover the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, use tissues if possible and dispose of immediately in a bin with a lid on, and then immediately wash your hands

Ensure that elevated standards of hygiene are adopted with plentiful access to hand sanitisers on-event in common areas, and with particular emphasis during signing-on, at timing card and scorecard posts and throughout scrutineering

Physical social contact should be avoided. Do not shake hands. No offence is taken should the community elect not to physically greet one another

Any briefings that take place should be conducted in an external environment or well-ventilated, spacious indoor facility

Organisers should, wherever possible, minimise the number of people congregating in close proximity and provide digital distribution of briefings and supporting documentation 24 hours in advance of their event

At events, avoid sharing tools, pens, clipboards or other items. These should be wiped clean with sterlised wipes after use

Do not share drinks or water bottles

Commonly used surfaces at events should be wiped down and disinfected regularly on event; this should include shared keyboards

Events should follow Motorsport UK guidance from the Motorsport UK 2020 Yearbook on appropriate medical support at events

Ceremonial starts or podiums that attract more than a handful of the motorsport community or public in close proximity should, for the time being, be considered not as public, but media events

Public Health posters on Coronavirus can be found at the following website and Motorsport UK urges copies of relevant messaging should be printed and displayed prominently at events; https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/101-coronavirus-/resources

Random breathalyser testing to be suspended or strictly controlled for the immediate future 

Clubs should vet entry forms and ensure no person is coming from an affected area outlined in the current HSE guidelines

All future event programs should include a reference page to the COVID-19 virus, so that spectators are made aware of their responsibilities at an event

 

The situation is dynamic, and therefore Motorsport UK requests that our community strictly follow government advice and adopt sensible practical measures to minimise the opportunity for the spread of any virus. 

 

Through the adoption of a series of practical measures, Motorsport UK is optimistic that, as long as the government advice allows public and sporting gatherings, that motorsport events can continue with minimal disruption, whilst adopting practical measures to reduce the opportunity for the communication of the COVID-19 virus.

 

Furthermore, Motorsport UK takes seriously the very real danger presented by COVID-19 to members of staff and those volunteers supporting the sport’s governance through their involvement with committees.  

 

The governing body is putting in place measures that will, should the situation require, facilitate staff whose roles allow, to work remotely and maintain the normal business operations of Motorsport UK. To maintain ongoing sport governance, Motorsport UK are simultaneously working to put in place technology solutions to facilitate the committees that administer and inform the sport to meet on a virtual basis via video conferencing, thereby reducing the requirement for travel and physical assemblies.

 

In respect of forthcoming training and development seminars, these will be considered on a case by case basis. Advice will be given to planned attendees in line with the policy at that time.

 

Motorsport UK continues to closely monitor the UK government advice around events and public gatherings and will publish additional updates when further guidance is available.

 

Motorsport UK urges all the community to take appropriate hygiene precautions that can help reduce the spread of infection. The most recent NHS guidance can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

The latest UK government advice can be found here; 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public


 

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Thanks Kev

 

selfishly, i hope our events can go ahead, with the appropriate level of self regulation and respect for others of course.

is there a refund policy for events cancelled due to COVID-19 ?

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I think that refunds are appropriate provided the event doesn't start. 

But once stated, no refunds. 

That's what I think but perhaps those that know can comment. 

Kev

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Heard today the Goodwood members meeting is going ahead... :) 

Tom

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Received this today. 
 

Statement from the Midland Automobile Club

13 March 2020
 

Like many organisations that run live events, the Midland Automobile Club and Shelsley Walsh are in the process of looking at our event calendar and making contingency plans around the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

At the moment, it is very much business as usual at Shelsley Walsh – all previously planned events will be going ahead unless we receive further advice from the UK government.

We will continue to follow guidelines as set down by the government and would encourage all attending our events to maintain good levels of hygiene.

Should any events need to be postponed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, further details will be communicated via our website, social media channels and e-newsletters.

 

 

 

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21 hours ago, Tom Boyd said:

Heard today the Goodwood members meeting is going ahead... :) 

Tom

Tom, received the same message.........I think it will be taken out of their control in the next few days to a week. 

Iain

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On 3/14/2020 at 5:04 PM, iain said:

Tom, received the same message.........I think it will be taken out of their control in the next few days to a week. 

Iain

Surely being out and about in the fresh air and sunshine is better than being cooped up inside?  So with good hand hygiene etc why would outdoor activities that aren't geared around being close to one another (eg watching sport) or contact (playing sports like rugby) be stopped?  I'd rather go racing / track day etc than shopping.  More enjoyable and much safer.

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Agreed but, eating drinking and entertainment at this event, outside of the racing are in places that get very busy,. The Main Hall, Shell building, Daffodil bar, Market Street etc are usually packed and this is where the risk will be. All that food handling, drinks containers etc etc 

So if you go for just the racing and leave out all the other stuff I agree.

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Three Castles Trial at the beginning of June just got cancelled. I'm assuming a lot of other competitions this spring/summer will go the same way, sadly.

Nigel

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Goodwood members meeting is now postponed

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Dear Competitor, 

 

We are very sorry to inform you that, in light of the most recent advice from the UK Government, the Goodwood Road Racing Club has taken the difficult decision to postpone the 78th Members’ Meeting.

 

Thanks to your support, this year’s event promised to be the best yet, and this makes the decision to postpone all the harder to make. We had originally hoped that, by following Government advice in full, and implementing a number of additional safety and hygiene protocols, we could ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ as coronavirus threatened the 78th Members’ Meeting.

 

However, the health and wellbeing of our spectators, competitors and staff is paramount, and with the situation changing by the day, we felt it was no longer right for 78MM to continue on its previously announced dates. A further decisive factor was the importance of reducing strain on the local health services that provide the medical coverage for all our events and not diverting their expert staff from vital work caring for those affected by Covid-19.

 

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to be an evolving situation, we look forward to hosting the 78th Members’ Meeting at a later date, with all originally planned races and demonstrations. Your place on the grid will be assured and we ask that you keep hold of your tickets, which will be valid for the new date. In the meantime, we ask that you bear with us as we work through the situation; we will be in touch over the coming weeks and months as the situation develops.

 

Due to the number of calls we are likely to receive following the postponement of 78MM, if you do have any queries please email competitors@goodwood.com and we will aim to respond as soon as possible.

 

Thank you for your support of Goodwood, and we look forward to welcoming you to the 78th Members’ Meeting later in the year.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Motorsport Content Team

 

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The motorsport ban had been extended to the end of June 2020

email received today

 

Motorsport UK Extends Suspension of Motorsport Permits to 30th June

24/03/20

In light of recent developments in the COVID-19 crisis, and following the address to the nation by the Prime Minister on the evening of 23rd March, Motorsport UK has today extended its suspension of all organising permits and Certificates of Exemption for motorsport events until at least 30th June.

This move provides clear guidance to event organisers, venues, competitors, officials and volunteer marshals of the role that Motorsport UK must play in supporting the broader UK public health agenda.

In recent days the feedback from our members and the community was a need for increased clarity to allow them to plan appropriately and, should the need arise, put in place necessary contingency measures.

Motorsport UK Chairman, David Richards explained, “Motorsport UK has a vital role to play with its community in re-inforcing that, at this time of national emergency, we must all stay at home to play our part in protecting the NHS and ultimately saving lives.  Today, the government have required that we effectively lock-down for a period of three weeks, however given that the most vulnerable in our society are required to isolate for three months, it is evident that the most responsible course of action was to propose a longer suspension of our sport.  When we reflect back on this time, it will be a brief, but vital, hiatus from our everyday motorsport life and we must put this in perspective.  This is a time of national unity and we need to come together with the broader public community to do all we can to support this battle and ultimately save lives.”

Motorsport UK will continue to monitor the prevailing advice from the UK Government in respect of the COVID-19 international pandemic and will update the motorsport community accordingly.

[Ends]
 

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