Update on Events and Classes in Relation to COVID-19
Bottom line up front, classes and events (tournaments) are not changing at this time. According to Cumberland County Health Director, there are no cases that have been reported in Cumberland County.
Regardless, your health and safety are the utmost priority to us. We are always concerned about the health and well-being of our coaches, fencers, and families. We understand the concerns about COVID-19, please be assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and taking extra precautions in the fencing academy to keep everyone safe.
Many of the prevention techniques suggested by the CDC are like traditional precautions associated with the annual cold and flu season. To keep everyone safe, we have increased our cleaning procedures. If you were at classes last week, we added Lysol spray and wipes by our jackets and mask. Please wipe and spray any club equipment you use prior to and after you use them (masks, jackets, gloves, weapon grips, body cords).
We will be adding hand sanitizers near the fencing reels and around the fencing room because we all touch the fencing reel!
Tips for fencers and their families provided by USA Fencing.
-Stay home from practice or competition if you feel sick.
-Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer with 60-90% alcohol when restrooms are unavailable.
-Avoid direct physical contact with others (keep a six-foot distance when possible).
-Salute or elbow bump competitors, coaches, and referees rather than shaking hands. (Coach Gerhard has to mindful of this too because giving high fives is such a habit during private lessons.)
-Do not touch your face during a bout or training session. (To add a little humor to this serious situation, maybe keep your mask on the whole time to keep you from touching your face?)
-Do not share water bottles.
-Do not put your mouth on water fountains.
For more information about fencing in relation to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.usafencing.org/coronavirus
Lastly, you might want to consider getting equipment you commonly touch, this will also help increase our prevention techniques. If I had to choose, I’d focus on the glove and mask.
Fencing Glove: ($12) – This is relatively in expensive, please consider having your own.
https://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/101/cPath/15
Standard Foil Mask ($59) – This is the closest thing to your face and is constantly touching it.
https://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/1147/cPath/1_11
Fencing Jacket ($44-$58)
https://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/shop.php/cPath/13
Foil Weapon ($30)
https://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/175/cPath/24
