We have asked one of our medical professionals, Mike Bradburn, to put together some further information regarding Coronavirus and some considerations for members if they decide to go sailing with an individual from outside their household. Mike has put together this excellent summary for consideration:
COVID 19 is the clinical disease caused by the nSARS-COV-2 virus which appeared in China in 2019. The UK outbreak has been controlled by very strict social distancing measures and the national “lockdown”. Thankfully these restrictions are now being relaxed and sailing is once again a permitted activity.
The virus spreads by droplets exhaled, or coughed out from the respiratory tract, or by virus particles on surfaces which are transferred to the eyes, mouth or nose by the hands. It cannot be absorbed through the skin.
A single virus particle cannot cause an infection. A large amount of virus particles needs to be transferred to cause an infection (a high viral load). This is more likely by airborne droplet inhalation inside, and due to air movement is much less likely outside.
Direct transmission by contaminated objects is also less likely outside due to the sterilizing effect of UV radiation, and the effect of sea water in the marine environment. The virus can survive for a number of hours outside the body. Laboratory studies suggest a maximum of 72 hours. No studies have been performed in the outside environment.
The virus can be easily inactivated by
– Washing the hands with soap and water for 20 secs
-Use of hand gel containing 60% alcohol
-Spraying with dilute bleach (3ml Milton in 500ml water)
However, this virus, whilst usually causing a mild illness, can be very serious and can kill even previously healthy individuals.
Worryingly 5% of infected individuals show no symptoms at all so we have no way of knowing who is infectious.
The Royal Northumberland Yacht Club is now sanctioning sailing following government guidelines, but has issued the following advice.
-Sailing with members of the same household is permitted and there is no restriction on numbers on the boat
-Sailing with 1 other person from another household is permitted, maintaining 2m social distancing:
– Each person should carry their own hand gel
– 1 person should remain behind the wheel, the other should act as deckhand.
– Beware potential transmission by eg winch handles or any object handled by more than 1 person (guardrails, stanchions etc)
– Sheets and halyards, because they are “fabric”, present a lower, but not zero, risk of transmission
– DO NOT touch the face until all handling is complete and the hands have been sanitized with hand gel.
– Only 1 person should be in the saloon at any 1 time
– Use hand gel regularly
Mike Bradburn
Our thanks to Mike for this helpful and practical advice. We are continuing to monitor how we may open further facilities in the Club in line with government guidelines and advice received from the RYA and will of course provide further updates as and when we can.
Best wishes and stay safe,
Helen Park
Vice Commodore
