Steep increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases in Devon

This is a message of caution - we all need to remain vigilant around Covid-19.  In general, we have all become complacent about social distancing and we need to be very careful not to increase the chances of transmission.

As you may be aware, there has been a steep increase in the number of positive covid cases in Devon (map shown). This increase is occurring mostly in the younger population and/or those that have not been vaccinated.  A number of open-age and junior matches have already been postponed due to this increase and that number is very likely to grow unless we take responsibly and act now. 

This is a simple message from Devon Cricket to request that all clubs and organisations ensure you do everything in your power to keep your club and members safe by maintaining high levels of compliance with government social distancing and the latest ECB Covid-19 guidance CLICK HERE.

We all know that being outdoors is safer than being inside and that clubhouses and changing rooms offer the highest levels of risk.  Please minimise the number of people in changing rooms and using your clubhouse.  By doing so, you will reduce the number of people that may be ‘contact traced’ if you are unfortunate enough to have a positive case.

As a club / venue, please make sure you operate the NHS QR code and/or paper track and trace so you have the ability to record and communicate to all people around the game should there be a positive case at your club or in your team. (Disappointingly, there are a number of clubs and teams this year who are doing neither!) 

It would also be a good practice to re-communicate your risk assessment and rules to members and guests.

England Football: 

A number of clubs will be providing an opportunity to watch the football and generate additional income this weekend and maybe next!  This is great and to be encouraged, but please also be very conscious of maintaining safety at all times. 

The perception from the public will be to link any related Covid-19 issues to cricket and not football.  Please maintain good practices at all times and this includes adhering to current hospitality guidance.

We have said from the outset that we do not want cricket to fall foul as a consequence of bad practices or becoming lazy.  Clearly, we are in a challenging time and we must make sure cricket activity continues through the summer.  To do this, all clubs and their members must please abide by the guidance set out by the ECB and Government and ask every member to take personal responsibility to help. 

There are hot spots in Devon where there are a large number of cases, in these areas please pay extra attention. You can see these from the map below. 

A huge level of responsibility has been placed on club volunteers to make cricket happen this summer, so a sincere thank you for your continued efforts in making cricket as safe as it can be.