Because of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in Bermuda, the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation has mandated that all sport reverts to Stage 2 of the Return to Play Guidelines, effective immediately. The following is a summary of Stage 2 requirements.

STAGE 2: TEAM TRAINING

• Return to team training will be guided by Health Department’s assessment on the active Covid-19 cases in Bermuda and what is deemed the appropriate numbers that can participate (Maximum gathering size at present is ten).

• No contact during exercise or technical development activities (cannot share a volleyball, so no group or partner drills permitted)

• Six feet between participants should be observed at all times (wearing of mask required except when doing an activity)

• New groups should arrive at least 30 minutes (to allow for cleaning of equipment) after existing group has vacated

• No spectators allowed during Stage 2

All Covid-19 saliva testing for contact sport, for which volleyball is classified, is now suspended. Testing will resume when Stage 3 of the Return to Play Guidelines comes into effect. In accordance with existing government requirements, testing will need to be completed no more than five days before the start of Stage 3 training and must be repeated every 28 to 30 days.

As a result, all junior and senior national team training is suspended until further notice. The BVA would also like to advise its membership that the Corporate Volleyball Tournament, Spring League and the Bermuda Open are officially cancelled. Please note that all BVA leagues and tournaments cannot operate until we are in Stage 4 of the Return to Play guidelines. All participants must be tested and continue to test every 28 to 30 days. The timeline of the progression through the phases will depend on Bermuda’s active case numbers.

The BVA will continue to do everything we can to get our members back on the court as soon as it is safe to do so. We will continue to monitor the appropriate public health and safety advice and encourage our members to take any and all reasonable precautions. We would like the thank our members for your patience and understanding. Until then, we hope you stay healthy.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail bdavb@hotmail.com