Before the details a summary:

• Rowing in any class of boat can recommence 

BUT

• Changerooms are off-limits - toilets can be used only
• The Gym remains closed and the door leading to the gym closed to allow a separate area for St Caths
• Limited clubhouse access available for maximum of 20 people fully vaccinated - Mercs to enter from the front door and St Caths from the rear door
• Masks must be worn when not on the water
• Members must check in with QR codes
• Boats & oars must be sanitised after use

Now the details.

Rowing Victoria has issued the following guidelines effective today.

ROADMAP (PHASE B) OPPORTUNITIES FOR MELBOURNE
On the advice of the State’s public health team and as per the new Open Premise Directions, COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions, Stay Safe Directions and Workplace Directions as released at 11.59pm, 21 October, Rowing Victoria announces that the following opportunities are available within Metropolitan Melbourne These provisions are applicable until 11:59pm on 18 November 2021 unless otherwise advised and are applicable for those 16yo+.

These directions will change once the state reaches 80% double vaccination status which is likely to be next weekend.

Please note that the Directions as released last night and reported through the media and LGAs today have caused a great deal of confusion through the sector. We have all seen the discrepancies between retail and hospitality and now community sport has been drawn into the fray. RV will update you as quickly as possible on the relevant directives.

• No regional travel allowed
• No travel restrictions in Metropolitan Melbourne
• No access to Indoor Physical Recreation facilities.
• Indoor toilets are accessible (maybe access indoor equipment to/ from toilet)
• Outdoor Physical Recreation Premises are open for training only
• Competition is not allowed
• QR Code Check-in; a crew person/ coach responsible for ensuring compliance.
• Any boat can be used
• All rowing equipment to be cleaned and sanitised after use.
• Masks are to worn inside and outside and are not required to be worn when exercising.
• All volunteers, coaches, canteen staff (workers) etc need to be fully vaccinated

Currently, those involved in outdoor community sport (training) at an Outdoor Physical Recreation Premises are exempt from requiring vaccination. It is recommended that as access to indoor community sport facilities/ sheds (and opportunities in general) will likely be dependent upon vaccination, athletes and staff follow the Gov’t Health recommendations and become vaccinated.

• Canteens/ Bars can be used at a maximum capacity of 20 with a density quotient of 1 person per four square meters (DQ4).
• In the Canteen/ Bar;
  • Users are to remain seated unless ordering food/ drinks or going to the toilet.
  • QR codes to be used upon arrival with canteen manager responsible for compliance.
  • Access to the facility dependent upon double vaccination status with canteen/ bar manager responsible for compliance.

SCHOOL ACCESS TO BOAT SHEDS
On the advice of the State’s public health team and as per the new Open Premise Directions, COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions, Stay Safe Directions and Workplace Directions as released at 11.59pm, 21 October, Rowing Victoria announces that the following opportunities are available for schools through the state. These provisions are applicable until 11:59pm on 18 November 2021 unless otherwise advised.
These directions will change once the state reaches 80% double vaccination status which is likely to be next weekend.

Please note that the Directions as released last night and reported through the media and LGAs today have caused a great deal of confusion through the sector. We have all seen the discrepancies between retail and hospitality and now community sport has been drawn into the fray. RV will update you as quickly as possible on the relevant directives.

For schools, a boat shed can be readily accessed by one school with unlimited numbers exclusively. The school students are exempt from:

• Requiring vaccination
• Checking in via a COVID CHECK QR code

Please note that:

• Any boat can be used
• All rowing equipment to be cleaned and sanitised after use.
• Masks are to worn inside and outside and are not required to be worn when exercising.
• All volunteers, staff and coaches need to be fully vaccinated
• Toilets can be accessed; Changerooms are closed

It is advised that for schools with shared tenancies, they cooperate with their co-tenant to manage access.

If anyone has any queries please do not hesitate to reach out to our Captain Meghan Hester or Secretary Andrew Guerin.

Stay safe, Go Mercs!