Dear Väsby Simsällskap Members,

As you know, there is an evolving situation with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) happening around the world and in our country. Although there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in our club, we have been closely monitoring the situation in Sweden and around the world. Please know that nothing is more important to me than the health and wellbeing of our athletes, members, and staff.

With that in mind, I want to encourage you to take care of yourselves and to take these basic steps to help protect yourself from viral illness (see appendix). Taking good care of yourself is important not just for you, but for the entire community. If you are not feeling well or if you develop flu-like symptoms, please contact the health agencies for advice about how to best care for yourself. I also encourage everyone to be as flexible as possible and understanding when a member of our community needs to take time away.

We will continue to provide updates about the clubs policy response to COVID-19 as they become available. Väsby Simsällskap will follow directives from the Swedish State Department (Folkhälsomyndigheten) to determine the health risks of travel to various regions in regards for our camps and competitions. In regards to practice, we will keep business as usual.   

I also want to take this opportunity to remind you of our core values of mutual respect and tolerance. There have been troubling reports from across the globe of individuals from countries thought to be impacted by COVID-19 being stigmatized. That is not who we are at Väsby Simsällskap, and I ask you to join me in ensuring that everyone in our community is treated with respect and dignity.

At a time like this, we must come together and support each other. Thank you for doing what you can to help us create a community that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone.

Warmly,

Marcelo Machado

Väsby Simsällskap Klubbchef

Appendix 1
You can help reduce your risk of getting a cold:

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 

·         Stay away from people who are sick. 

·         Don’t share water bottles, glasses or eating utensils.

·         Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.