This is your JRN Weekly briefing covering the developments of the last week in three key areas. If you have a story to share, contact our news desk at juniorrowingnews@gmail.com
Covid-19 Update:
“[The UK] will be changed by this experience… but we can be stronger and better than ever before.”
80 years after Sir Winston Churchill took office, the Prime Minister addressed that nation last night with a clear message.
Amid rumours and speculation, Mr Johnson’s address stressed the need for caution as we sail into troubled waters, saying “coming down the mountain is often more dangerous.”
The first announcement was the introduction of a new “Covid alert system” that will work in a similar way to the terror threat level already in place in the UK and will be managed by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre. The alert system will run from low severity at one, to overwhelming the NHS at five, and will be dictated mainly by the R number, but also by the number of new cases. England is now in a position to begin to move to level three.
Having explained the new Covid evaluation system, the PM went on to confirm that “This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week,” and that “Instead we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures.”
Amongst the initial modification of lockdown measures came the message that those who cannot feasibly work from home, should instead be “actively encouraged” to go to their usual place of work. Those who will now to commute must do so whilst adhering to social distancing rules, for example by using private transport such as a car or bike.
Following the lead of other areas of the UK, Mr Johnson also explained that people would now be allowed out for “unlimited exercise.” With activities such as sitting in the park, driving further a-field for walks, and sports games with members of your household, making a comeback.
Next came the long-awaited news about the potential reopening of schools. According to the Prime Minister, the earliest date schools could reopen would be the 1st June, beginning with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. This does, however, depend on the Covid Threat Level at the time, and whether or not the UK’s five tests have been met. It is also hoped that students currently in years 10 and 12 will return to school before the summer holidays as they prepare for GCSEs and A-Levels in 2021.
A quarantine for travellers entering the UK was also confirmed last night, with the news that it will “soon be time” to impose the new restrictions. This followed Mr Johnson’s commitment to planning the next few months based solely on “science, data and public health” – and not “hope or economic necessity”.
To conclude his address, the Prime Minister passionately thanked NHS and Essential workers, and said that the government’s plan will get us through the next phase of fighting Coronavirus.
The devolved administrations of the UK meanwhile have rejected Johnson’s “stay alert” advice, in favour of the old “stay at home” slogan.
On a global scale, cases of Covid-19 have surpassed the 4 million mark, with over 277,000 deaths, a large percentage of which are within the US. Meanwhile, South Korea has imposed fresh restrictions amid a surge in cases linked to the Leisure District, whilst in Germany, a spike in cases is confirmed days after Chancellor Angela Merkel eased lockdown restrictions.
British Rowing:
“We appreciate that this has been difficult for many clubs, competitions and members and we thank you for continuing to respect this guidance.”
In anticipation of fresh news from Whitehall last night, British Rowing has published a new set of guidelines detailing how plans will be drawn up to facilitate a safe return to our sport.
The main takeaway message is that at this time it is simply too soon to set out concrete plans for a return to the water: British Rowing are keen to stress that although the PM may have announced his intentions this week, the conversations that must take place with partners such at the PLA and Canal and River agency, are only just beginning.
When decisions with these devolved bodies have been made, however, BR plans to return rowing to its former glory in three stages.
The decisions regarding these three stages – back to clubs, back to training, and back to racing – will be made by a set of corresponding teams who will work together – and report to Situational Review Group chaired by Andy Parkinson, to produce a plan that benefits the community.
In their communications to the public, British Rowing has maintained a professional outlook, stating that they will be unable to provide more information on exact plans until officials can be more specific and that any decisions made will adhere to their principle drivers: ‘what is best for public health’ and ‘what will keep our rowing community safe’.
In preparation for the go-ahead from above, British Rowing has devised “various scenarios that we might find ourselves in and considering how rowing might safely fit within these.”
A separate group will make decisions regarding the elite athletes of the National Squads, and how and when they can return to train at the National Training Centre Caversham.
An inside source has told Junior Rowing News that British Rowing will “reevaluate the situation in June.” After which, a full statement will be prepared to begin the process of easing the community back onto the water.
Following the success of virtual regattas, British Rowing published their set of guidelines for successful E-racing this week with the help of Phill Haigh of Doncaster Rowing Club. To hear more on how remote racing has gripped the nation in recent weeks, catch last weeks’ podcast: Electric Boogaloo
Last week also saw the announcement of the One Minute Challenge, which in collaboration with Rowing Canada Aviron, Rowing Australia and Rowing New Zealand, challenges athletes from across nations to compete in a one minute sprint to find the fastest athletes from across the globe. How far will you take it?
Along with various other stories, British Rowing’s “Meet the Team” Series continued this week with an interview with Rowan McKellar, a rising star within the National Squad who had competed under the Union Jack since 2015 as an Under23, where she took silver in the Women’s Pair at Plovdiv with Holly Norton.
International Rowing:
“If you are doing personal bests or overtraining, you are at a higher risk of injury, You might pull a muscle, strain a tendon, or in a sport like rowing, suffer a rib stress fracture.”
Mr Johnson’s statement of intent has less impact on the global stage, and as such Covid-19 continues to unleash chaos on international sport.
It was announced earlier this week that the 2020 FISA Ordinary and Extraordinary Congresses will be held virtually as a result of the ongoing pandemic. World Rowing has reassured the international community that they have identified a technology to allow “delegates to vote on proposed changes to the FISA Statutes, Rules of Racing and related Bye-Laws, and any other issue proposed for a vote.”
Elsewhere, Dr Brian Johnson of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine spoke with World Rowing to discuss top tips and tricks for training during a pandemic. His advice may run contrary to the current international trend of breaking world records on a daily basis “Now is not the time to aim for a personal best,” he says. You can find the full interview here, and our tips on Home Training here.
Sir Steve Redgrave was in the news this week as he discussed the stresses he faces being a father to a frontline NHS worker, as well as the pressures of being China’s Performance Director at a time of such uncertainty. He told the Guardian “There’s a very good reason surgeon wear face masks during surgery but for this virus they need plastic visors, the gowns, the full PPE. It’s hassle to go through but that’s one of the things China did extremely well. They were covered from head to foot. We’re more blasé about it in the UK.”
Planning well into the future, World Rowing announced this week that the 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships will be held virtually, with the finals due to take place on the weekend of the 27th February. The aim is to produce the technology that will allow anyone with a static Concept2 machine to take part, with the highest-ranking competitors in each category ending up in the online finals. “This funnelled approach to a final round of racing will allow FISA to create a dynamic sport presentation with a strong athlete-focused narrative,” says FISA President Jean-Christophe Rolland.
That’s all for this week’s briefing. Be sure to tune in next week for the latest news, advice, and analysis.
Until then, catch the latest episodes of our podcast here, and keep up with content from across our team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Stay Safe
Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
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