VKC Safety Practices

Happy New Year! As we start practice we will need to ensure our own safety as well as that of others with whom we interact. Here are the rules we’ll operate against while the local CoVID Omicron spread remains a significant threat. These will remain consistent with the LA City and County Health Orders ( http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/ ) and in the case of conflict, the more stringent measure will apply. - All active members must be fully vaccinated - To practice indoors with others, members must be boosted when eligible. - All, including visitors, must show the head instructor evidence of vaccination and of any updates; optional if visitors stay outside - A written log will be kept of the vaccination status of all members and visitors - An affirmation of no present CoVID symptoms, or recent contact with an infected person will be kept for each practice and signed (initialed) by all members/visitors present (the “sign-in log”) - Facemasks: All must wear facemasks that do not readily allow air to escape or enter in from the top/bottom/sides; the masks must provide a reasonable air seal to allow for filtering. Only when outside at safe distance should masks be taken off; when alone in the dojo, it Is optional but encouraged, just be mindful of the time needed to clear and refresh the air before others enter —Examples: N95 of KN95 masks or a surgical mask covered with a second firmly fitting cloth mask. — If a member has symptoms and/or tests positive for CoVID, they must notify Noriko Towata and/or Bill Kaneshiro as soon as possible; within 24 hrs is desired. If there is a dojo outbreak, local health authorities and the VJCC will be promptly notified—within 24 hrs of indications—and the practice day sign-in log information provided. — Members will comply with CDC ( https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html ) or local health order guidance (using the most suitable) for returning to practice after an infection or being in close contact with a confirmed infected person. — Most kendo practice will be done outdoors — Kata may be done indoors with pairs widely distanced; maximum of three pairs at a time; preferably only two pairs at a time —one by the stage and the other in the back of the dojo — Individual practice—footwork and suburi—may be done indoors for cardio work; air in the dojo must be allowed to clear for at least two minutes with all fans on before others may enter; when exercising, try to stay confined in the stage side of the dojo so air in the backside is less affected and can be used for transit — Hygiene practices still apply—wash/sanitize hands, disinfect commonly used surfaces — Limit kiai indoors —No hard breathing indoors with others present in close proximity or by expected air currents that potentially may carry virus aerosols to others. — As always, practice should be adjusted to ensure the safety of all as conditions change —These rules will be in effect immediately until Saturday, 19 Feb 2022; and will be reassessed if it needs to be extended. This recent surge will challenge us, but with continued perseverance and simple measures we can make this work. Safety is first, as we commit ourselves to providing the best possible kendo training environment under these circumstances. When the surge passes, let’s hope we all come out stronger. Gambare! --Bill Kaneshiro Head Instructor Valley Kendo Club