Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 5:49 pm
Absolutely. Chess is not chess if you can't take refreshments into the playing area.
The independent home for discussions on the English Chess scene.
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"We will not insist on players wearing masks, but we will provide some for those who want. Anyone who wants a greater degree of protection may wish to purchase masks with FFP2 or FFP3 protection, such as these."David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:10 pmand www.ebu.co.uk/article/ebu-summer-meeting-and-covid-19 for information about the Covid-19 Regulations.
Well now we know.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:10 pmMeanwhile we await information as to how many county teams will be playing in Round 1 of the ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge on Saturday 14th August.
So you're blaming the small number of entries on the requirement to wear masks?David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 3:58 pmWell now we know.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:10 pmMeanwhile we await information as to how many county teams will be playing in Round 1 of the ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge on Saturday 14th August.
In the Major section (average ECF rating Under 2000), there are two entries, from Essex and Kent. These two counties seem to be the epicentre of mask wearing advocacy, so the Competition Regulations suit them well.
in the Minor section (average ECF rating Under 1600), there are four entries: two teams from Kent and one each from Essex and Hampshire.
It's a line in the sand. If not now, then when? Is it an expectation that we should wear masks for the rest of our chess playing lives?Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmI'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
Note: I understand that if HM Government guidance at the time of the congress is still that face masks should be worn in crowded areas, in the event that I do not wear a face mask at the board my opponent in any of the five rounds may elect not to play the game, in which case both players will receive a ½ point bye.
Look back at my first two posts in this thread. In particular:Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmSo you're blaming the small number of entries on the requirement to wear masks?
Doesn't science support the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces? Isn't there a much greater risk that people will be infected by an infectious non-mask-wearer?
Also, what's the problem with wearing masks? I'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
There is no way that I would wish to play a Standardplay game of chess wearing a mask. If I have to wear one for more than about an hour, I feel uncomfortable and sick. In hot weather I would feel in danger of collapsing.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 3:11 pmThese Regulations are a good example of what happens if you allow concern about Covid-19 to lead you to blind you to other risks and considerations.
"No-one is forcing you to return to OTB chess under conditions where you do not feel safe. You have the right to stay at home." I could say this to you too - and it wouldn't be helpful.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 6:57 pmLook back at my first two posts in this thread. In particular:Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmSo you're blaming the small number of entries on the requirement to wear masks?
Doesn't science support the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces? Isn't there a much greater risk that people will be infected by an infectious non-mask-wearer?
Also, what's the problem with wearing masks? I'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
There is no way that I would wish to play a Standardplay game of chess wearing a mask. If I have to wear one for more than about an hour, I feel uncomfortable and sick. In hot weather I would feel in danger of collapsing.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 3:11 pmThese Regulations are a good example of what happens if you allow concern about Covid-19 to lead you to blind you to other risks and considerations.
No-one can force me to play OTB chess under conditions which I do not find enjoyable, although I do sometimes wonder whether some people will try.
No-one is forcing you to return to OTB chess under conditions where you do not feel safe. You have the right to stay at home.
However, on this occasion your sentiments have prevailed. The entry level is as I expected once I saw the Regulations.
It's only a risk if there's someone there who is infectious. We've never previously demanded mask wearing for Congresses and matches in winter where there must have been a risk of catching flu or a cold.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 8:38 pmWhat chance of a super-spreader event at a chess event where people spend several hours together in an enclosed space and where the precautions are lax?
I responded to you a couple of days ago.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 8:38 pmInstead, I'd suggest, it's about understanding the science and ensuring people's safety... I notice you're not responding on these points.
The British Government has lifted restrictions in England. I respect that decision. You do not. That should be your problem, not mine.David Sedgwick(in another thread) wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:33 pm
"I acknowledge I was wrong on what was going to happen."
Your heroine Professor Christina Pagel yesterday.
Admittedly that is a selective quotation. She hasn't given up yet.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58078900
Oh dear... That was, I agree, selective - for Professor Pagel's detailed and balanced take, I'd recommend this and note that we're probably some distance from achieving "herd immunity" (the goalposts for which are liable to alter with any new, more transmissible, variant... and waning antibodies in the population also need to be considered). Also, I hope we're going to be OK with mass gatherings (as will occur, for e.g., with the new football season), with children returning to schools in September and with the onset of colder weather... BTW, the BBC piece doesn't mention Long Covid.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmI responded to you a couple of days ago.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 8:38 pmInstead, I'd suggest, it's about understanding the science and ensuring people's safety... I notice you're not responding on these points.
David Sedgwick(in another thread) wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:33 pm
"I acknowledge I was wrong on what was going to happen."
Your heroine Professor Christina Pagel yesterday.
Admittedly that is a selective quotation. She hasn't given up yet.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58078900
Well the UK Govt has said "Wearing a face covering... COVID-19 spreads through the air by droplets and aerosols that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. The Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport." Does that mean it's alright not to wear masks at chess events held indoors over a period of several hours? Anyhow, Scotland and Wales at least take a much firmer view. As does the World Heath Organisation. I suspect England is out on a limb.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmThe British Government has lifted restrictions in England. I respect that decision. You do not. That should be your problem, not mine.
"People like you", eh... My concern is about the science and people's safety, neither of which have you shown any understanding of or consideration for.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmWhat I do see as my problem, is that, at the behest of people like you, the ECF is squandering members' funds by arranging OTB events held under conditions in which very few people wish to play.
Did you look at the EBU's Risk Assessment for their Eastbourne event which is linked to in their statement which you and Nick have applauded? Do you think it's OK?David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmNick and I mentioned upthread that the English Bridge Union is not making the same mistake.
I have to confess that I hadn't but I have now.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 11:09 pmDid you look at the EBU's Risk Assessment for their Eastbourne event which is linked to in their statement which you and Nick have applauded?
It may be a bit too fussy, but basically yes I do think it's okay.
I'm not understanding why anyone so traumatised that they have convinced themselves that only a bit of dirty blue cloth hanging loosely around someone else's face stands between them and death would not keep their social interactions to an absolute minimum, or would even contemplate a visit to a chess club.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmI'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.