RRC Covid Safety Plan

Purpose: This document will outline the roles, responsibilities, and design for RRC’s running of programs at the VRA boathouse during the 2022 season. Note, this plan is subject to change based upon changing conditions and knowledge concerning COVID cases, SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine effectiveness.

Background: As a new normal emerges we are planning to resume both sculling and sweep rowing programs during Spring/Summer 2022, subject to the COVID Safety Plan as adopted by the Board of Directors. There may be opportunities to compete as the season unfolds, but these opportunities are not guaranteed. Critical elements of this plan will include vaccination requirements, social distancing, hand hygiene, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use. As we have made it through 2020 and 2021 without an outbreak attributed to programs or proximity to the Boathouse we are strongly motivated that we strive to maintain this status as the world continues to adapt and respond to this ever evolving epidemic.

It is acknowledged that much has happened during the past year, including approved vaccines, better treatment regimens and a decline in hospitalizations for critical care. Further, as vaccines are now more plentiful, each month creates more protected people of whom many will be Club Members, guests and coaches. Lastly, it is also known that there will be some Club Members who will choose to not become vaccinated as is their choice. So we will rely on “safe personal choice” for all those who join RRC as Members.

RRC Core Principles for its COVID Safety Plan:

1. RRC will follow all National, State of Virginia, Albemarle County/Charlottesville, UVA/VRA and US Rowing laws, regulations as well as requirements set forth by the public health authorities including group size and sport training, as well as adopting USRowing guidelines and recommendations to RRC’s unique circumstances.

2. Here is a link to the USRowing Return to Training Considerations Post-COVID-19 10.15.2021 (Note this document only included Delta variant recommendations)
   a. USRowing’s Medical Commission strongly recommends all eligible members get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination and hygienic habits are the most important mitigation strategies for COVID-19 outbreaks in the boathouse and allows for safer return to largescale regattas.
   b. Fully-vaccinated individuals may resume activities without wearing a mask or staying six feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. (For the purposes of these guidelines, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID two weeks after they have received their booster.)
   c. If an individual develops signs or symptoms of COVID, they must not attend practices until they have confirmation via a PCR test that they are negative for COVID.RRC will follow CDC guidelines for quarantine and isolations CDC quarantine isolation guidelines.

3. Club Members, guests and coaches of RRC will operate under the “get in, train, get out” approach when comingto the Boathouse.

4. In order to participate in PROGRAMS members MUST be fully vaccinated or MUST wear an N95 mask.

5. Club Members, guests and coaches of RRC are asked to minimize time (unmasked) inside the Boathouse and practice social distancing when possible.

6. Club Members, guests and coaches for RRC will adhere to RRC’s cleaning and hygiene guidelines to prevent transmission of disease. These guidelines will be posted at the Boathouse.

7. Club Members, Guests and Coaches will exercise caution and remember the core COVID indicators:
   a. Do you have a fever of 100.4 or higher?
   b. Have you had a cough in the past 24 hours? (not related to seasonal allergies)
   c. Have you had direct exposure to anyone with COVID-19?
   d. Do you have shortness of breath?
   e. Do you have loss of taste or smell?
   f. Do you feel fatigued or tired (beyond normal weariness)? (Omicron specific)
   g. Do you have a sore throat? (Omicron specific)

8. If any of the above symptoms exist, we will rely on the “honor system” and ask that the rower, coach or coxswain will stay home, get tested and follow CDC guidelines on isolation and quarantine CDC quarantine isolation guidelines.

Entry/Exit at the Boathouse

Rowers/Coxswains and Coaches

1. Once you have left your vehicle you must be wearing a mask at all times on the property when others are present, if you are unvaccinated.

2. If you are vaccinated, we require that you wear a mask when inside the Boathouse. 3. Sanitizer will again be provided at “The Sculler’s Desk” please feel free to use as often as you wish, but also minimize contact with individuals not in your “social bubble” and respect social distancing whenever possible especially with unvaccinated individuals, or those who are wearing masks out of extra caution.

Launching/Recovery

Rowers/Coxswains

1. Try to maintain 6 feet of distance when launching from the dock when possible. We will continue to work with both UVA Men’s and Women’s teams to limit the density of rowers on the dock. (Note UVA requires ALL students UVA student COVID-19 vaccine policy and staff UVA staff COVID requirements to be vaccinated unless they have a medical or religious exemption