In order to balance convenience and an enjoyable bridge-playing experience with our concern for the safety and well-being of those who will play at our club when it reopens, the finance committee and other board members contacted more than two dozen clubs to gain intelligence on what they’re doing and what protocols they are or will be using when they reopen. Additionally, we have taken into account the responses to our survey in April. We again thank the 233 members who responded.

 

We have also reviewed carefully the pertinent CDC guidelines, the ACBL’s guidelines and the recent guidelines of state and local authorities. We recognize that those guidelines are constantly shifting and that we may determine to change our protocols after reopening. We also recognize that despite our best efforts we might not be able to provide everyone the level of comfort they desire. Nor can we eliminate all risk. We do ask all of our members to respect and adhere to the protocols and playing conditions. We welcome your comments. Please read the following carefully.

 

Protocols for Participation

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Proof of vaccination will be required. Members can either submit a photo of their vaccination card to HartfordBridgeNews@gmail.com at any time before they first play or bring proof of vaccination to the club the first time they play. A list of all members who have supplied proof of vaccination will be kept by the directors. No one will be allowed to play without proof of vaccination.

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Beginning 2/11/22, masks will be optional -- with one exception. If a player requests that masks be worn at his or her table, then everyone will be required to wear a mask while at that table. Masks will not be required at other times. Everyone should be respectful of other players’ decisions to wear a mask or to ask others to wear a mask at their table. Masks will be available at the club for those who forget theirs.

 

Do not to come to play if you’re feeling ill or showing any signs of illness.

 

Preregistration will be required.

We are trying to make this as convenient as we can, so alternate methods of preregistration will be provided for those who can’t preregister online and preregistration will be possible up to ½ hour before game time, if space is available.  To reserve online click here.  For online reservation instructions click here.

 

Protocols During Games

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Games will be limited to 16 tables to allow adequate spacing between tables.

 

Game fees will be collected at the table and everyone is requested to bring exact change to minimize contact. Game fees will remain at $7 for members, but will increase to $10 for nonmembers. Memberships for the remainder of the fiscal year can be purchased by new or returning members for only $15.

 

Two hand-sanitizer stands will be available and hand sanitizer also will be provided at each table.

 

Rubber gloves will be available for those who desire them.

 

Playing cards will be used only once a week.

 

Bidding boxes will be available for purchase for $8 through the club if any player wants her or his own bidding box.

 

No food will be permitted at the playing tables.

 

Food may be brought in bags or containers by players, but must be eaten away from the playing tables. Food brought to the club may not be stored overnight at the club. Food left at the club after the last game of the day will be disposed of.

 

No food will be provided by the club.

 

Water, coffee and tea will be provided. Soda (for the traditional $.50 price) will also be available.

 

Other Items of Note Regarding Reopening

 

We have reviewed CDC and EPA guidelines on ventilation and had extensive communications with our own HVAC provider as well as other HVAC providers regarding ventilation. As a result, we will be running the fan on our two air conditioners continually. (Players might want to bring a sweater.)

 

Our air conditioners are equipped with filters with the highest MERV rating that doesn’t run the risk of damaging the units.

 

We have installed new touchless faucets in the bathrooms and in the kitchen. In addition, we have installed touchless paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms.

 

We have developed a schedule of live games which we will continue to evaluate and adjust going forward. The club will also continue to offer a robust schedule of online games on BBO. We appreciate member participation as we try to balance the needs of all of our members.

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Again, we welcome your comments. Most of all, we very much look forward to seeing many of you again at the club and thank you for your loyalty and support. Patience will be our watchword and we hope it will be yours as we move forward in these challenging and uncertain times.

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