Coronavirus guidance update – 13th March 2020

England Boxing would like to update members on current advice around the coronavirus (COVID-19).

As previously detailed, England Boxing is taking its lead from the government guidelines, which were set out earlier in the week and refreshed yesterday.

You can read the government’s current advice in full by clicking here, but it’s essential to maintain high hygiene standards and wash your hands regularly. Further details are available below.

Government’s current sports guidance

• There is presently no rationale to close or cancel sporting events, but this may change as the situation evolves, so please keep a close eye on Gov.uk.
• For those hosting sporting events, whatever the size, attendees and participants should stay up to date on the government’s latest advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus.
• For those who offer community and leisure services, such as running a gym; hand hygiene should be strongly promoted and encouraged and equipment and facilities should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped down as usual following use.
• There is presently no reason people should stop doing their daily sport and physical activities as they normally would.

Boxing-specific update

• England Boxing asks all members at all clubs to wash their hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds) before and after sessions and make sure, as is normal practice, that equipment is thoroughly cleaned after use.
• With regard to the staging of events and club shows, England Boxing continues to follow government guidance and, at this point, there is no restrictions on staging sporting events.

• It is therefore down to each individual club to decide whether their event should go ahead or not.
• England Boxing continues to monitor the situation and follows the recommended government advice.

Obviously, however, events and issues are moving quickly and, alongside the government advice as it updates, we have also to take into account the operational implications for staging events, not least the England Boxing National Junior Championships 2020, scheduled to take place in Liverpool on 28^th and 29^th March.

We will therefore provide a further update on the status of this Championship on Monday 16^th March.

How to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough

This will help to protect others in your community while you are infectious. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. Authorities will not be testing people who are self-isolating with mild symptoms.

COVID-19: stay at home guidance