COVID-19 Statement from BaseballSoftballUK
Fri 13 Mar 2020
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, 13th March, 2020
BaseballSoftballUK is closely monitoring the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus and will continue to follow the advice of the British Government and public health authorities with regards to public safety.
Yesterday, 12th March, during the Government’s press conference, we received clear advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus. We also heard that we should operate on a ‘business as usual’ basis, specifically, this included advice not to cancel sporting events.
This was reinforced by Sport England’s advice from 12th March, published here:
“If you are not displaying symptoms, for now, it doesn’t mean you can’t run activities where people gather, and it definitely doesn’t mean that people should be discouraged from being active. In fact, given that being fit and healthy acts as a deterrent to most infections, it’s crucial that members of the public continue to lead active lifestyles throughout this period […] Unless there’s official advice telling you not to do so, and as long as you follow the government advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus, you can continue with things like sports club fixtures, group activities and use leisure centres.”
What does this mean for the programmes and events being run by BaseballSoftballUK?
Baseball and softball programmes and events across the UK run by BaseballSoftballUK will continue to take place unless we are advised otherwise by government. This includes London Indoor League, Slowpitch Softball Academies, Academy and High Performance Academies, Pitching Clinics, University Leagues, National University Softball & Baseball Championships, the Manchester LGBT Tournament and the BSUK Slowpitch Cup. We would encourage all players to follow the widely available guidance of public health with regards to people maintaining good hygiene to avoid spreading of the Covid-19 virus.
Farnham Park Baseball & Softball Complex and Home Plate Bar and Kitchen also remain open and fully operational.
If you have any questions or concerns about a specific programme or event, please contact your BaseballSoftballUK Event Organiser/Lead in the first instance.
BaseballSoftballUK is continuing to monitor government advice in relation to the hosting of events and is committed to keeping participants, athletes and stakeholders informed if this position changes in the timeliest manner possible. Please check our website and social media channels regularly.
Read more here:
UK Government Press Conference 12/03/20: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-us-canada-51847128
Sport England statement 12/03/20: https://www.sportengland.org/news/coronavirus-information-sector
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About BaseballSoftballUK
BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) is the development agency for baseball and softball in the United Kingdom. Since 2000, BSUK has provided services to the sports' governing bodies, the British Baseball Federation (BBF) and British Softball Federation (BSF) with the aim of developing and increasing the levels of participation, skill and achievement in UK baseball and softball. This occurs at both junior and adult levels, from school and grassroots through domestic adult clubs up to the Great Britain national teams.
www.baseballsoftballuk.com
