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Covid-19 'Plan B' - Guidance for Handball

The government announced ‘Plan B’ restrictions in response to the Omicron variant. 

What do the ‘Plan B’ Restrictions Mean for Handball?

Mask Wearing

Masks must be worn at indoor venues, except for players, coaches and officials who are active on court. Table officials and statisticians must wear a mask.

England Handball also recommends players on the bench wear a mask and that players social distance where possible when not playing.

Also check and adhere to individual venue rules on masks and social distancing.

Self Screening

If you feel unwell in any way do not attend training or matches. If you develop Covid-19 symptoms such as a temperature, cough, headache or you generally feel unwell, stay at home and book PCR test. Self isolate while you wait for the test results.

If you test positive you must self isolate according to Government guidelines.  

If you’re a contact of someone who may have been infected with the Omicron variant, you must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of your age, vaccination status or any negative test results.

From Tuesday 14 December, people who are fully vaccinated and identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take an NHS rapid lateral flow test every day for seven days to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For more information click here 

Additional Guidance from England Handball

Hand Hygiene

We recommend you wash your hands:

• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose 
• Before you eat or handle food 
• After coming into contact with surfaces touched by many others, such as handles, handrails and light switches 
• After coming into contact with shared areas such as kitchens and bathrooms 
• Before and after training/games
• When you return home  

In addition, where possible, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  

Club Measures

We advise clubs to:

• Conduct temperature regular team screening. 
• Get club members to conduct lateral flow in advance of competition or training. This will help identify those who have Covid-19 but no symptoms. Lateral flow test can be ordered at this link https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
• Operate a one-way system if a number of matches are taking place at one venue.
• Spectators should be seated, wear a face covering and be socially distanced if possible.
• Clean balls, and other equipment that has high-levels of contact, in between sessions
• Keep venues clean. This includes cleaning benches and areas where there is high-sweat contact. Also remove all waste such as bottles.

 

These guidelines will be under constant review and could change in line with Government advice.

 

Posted in England Handball Association

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