Updated information about Coronavirus

In the light of increasing concerns about the increasing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) the Board of the EBU has decided to postpone its own events, and revise its guideline/advice for counties, clubs and members. Postponed Events The Portland Pairs; The Really Easy Spring Break; The Mixed Olympiad Trials; The Northern Easter Festival; The Easter Festival. Further postponements may be announced in time. Where possible, we will reschedule events. Knockout matches will have deadlines extended on request or teams may choose to play matches online, using the existing arrangements. Advice to Counties/Clubs and Members Counties. County events, because of their nature, we strongly recommend cancellation. Clubs we advise to follow government/PHE instructions. If you are unable to comply for whatever reason (inability to observe social distancing, inadequate sanitation then we strongly advise closure pro tem). Clubs with cramped premises and no scope for even the most rudimentary social distancing must also beware of the dangers they face. Ironically, larger clubs must also be willing to make tough decisions because of the sheer number of people they have through the door. Members. Follow government/PHE advice, do not attend if showing any symptoms. We all know two things. Cards and bidding boxes are major likely sources of infection, and our demographic includes many people at high risk. It is in view of this, that the Board has made this decision about its own events and made the advice to counties, clubs and members more robust. Ian Payn EBU Chairman *Information about online games Some of our members will already play in the games on Bridge Club Live and Funbridge. Others may wish to investigate these, or play in the free games on Bridge Base Online in preparation for the EBU games that we expect to be starting there soon.

March 15, 2020