Hello everyone,
I have been following the
advice sent to the other clubs which I am a member of and I suggest we
adopt the same procedures on walks. This way we can continue to walk in
areas once they have reopened after the fires. Hopefully that will occur
next week.
- When gathering at the meeting place prior to the walk keep your distance from others and greet other members with a wave rather than shaking hands or hugging.
- Avoid cramming too
many people into cars. We may have to take extra cars so there is
sufficient space between passengers. We will also try to organize walks
closer to home to reduce the time required to travel
- I will make up a new waiver form which the leader will add names to as members contact then to express interest in the walk. All starters on the walk will form a circle maintaining the recommended distance of two meters from others and the leader will read out the hazards and other information concerning the walk.
- Participants will indicate their acceptance of the hazards and other information concerning the walk by raising their hand after the leader has read out the hazards that may be encountered and other conditions which may apply. The leader will then tick each member on the list who raised their hand and note on the form that those with a tick have agreed to the terms and conditions for the walk by raising their hand.
- On the walk remember to keep your distance at all times including around stops and at camp. Don’t share mugs, water bottles and cutlery unless it has been sterilized in boiling water. Tent sharing should be avoided as well unless you are sure that the person you are sharing with has tested negative to the virus. I am not sure about swimming with others but that will be become less of a problem as the cooler weather sets in. The covid 19 virus will get destroyed if it enters the digestive system so drink plenty of water on the walk and while travelling to the walk.
- If you are feeling unwell, been overseas, tested positive or are awaiting test results please do not attend walks or social events until you are well or have tested negative. If you have booked to attend the walk and have to pull out please advise the leader as soon as possible after deciding no to participate in the walk.
- Should someone get injured on a walk then first aid must be applied. Place a handkerchief or mask over your nose and mouth before administering the first aid and get tested for the virus immediately after returning home. remember to thoroughly wash your hands after administering the first aid. Carrying a small amount of hand sanitizer might be usefull especially if the available water is limited.
If we all follow the
guidelines above and from health authorities we can continue to go
walking and stay safe from the virus. I can’t think of a better place to
socialize than out on a walk in an area away from the crowds if we
exercise caution and follow the guidelines.
Regarding
the meeting for April 1st we are in the process of setting up a cyber
meeting using ZOOM. I will advise further once the procedures are set
up. In the meantime save a spot at home where you can sit in front of
your computer and join the online discussion on walks. If you have any
walks you want to include in the program you can mention that during the
discussion.
The day walk on Sunday looks like
it will go ahead so if you are interested send me a reply. My phone
stopped working yesterday morning so if you sent me a message pleas
resend it as an email instead. I hope to get a new phone using the same
number sometime this week.
CheersPaulSecretary