Dear LVRR Members and Friends,
We are writing to you today to share information regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus and measures that we are taking to address the situation at hand. LVRR continues to closely monitor advisories and updates from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, Road Runners Club of America and other national governing bodies concerning the coronavirus that has spread to many countries.
The safety of our members, participants, spectators, and staff is our biggest concern. As we head into spring racing season with many people on the move, we want to share what we know right now and our plans going forward. In analyzing all of the data, LVRR has determined that it would be premature to cancel our events at this time as the risk is still very low in the United States. That being said, we are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and may alter our decision should the need arise. Given the fluidity of this matter, decisions regarding each event will be determined independently as factors affecting one may not affect another and we are working with each of the local authorities and event venues to increase safety measures.
LVRR will post on the homepage our websites (lvrr.org, stlukeshalfmarathon.com ) the latest information on the outbreak, RRCA event updates, recommended health precautionary measures and any event-specific protocols that will be adjusted as a result of the virus.
LVRR has a No Refund policy in place with the exception of our half marathon which allows for participants to defer their race entry for one year. We encourage our runners to take advantage of this option if they feel uncomfortable running our St. Luke’s Half Marathon, 5k, Youth Run or Family Fun Walk this April. The deadline for deferment is now extended to March 31, 2020.
In the meantime, we are asking you to take proactive precautions as recommended by the Center for Disease Control to protect yourself and those around you. Specifically:
- Get a flu vaccine
- Avoid contact with sick people (if you’re sick, limit contact with others)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth with something disposable (like a tissue) when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Clean frequently touched items (cell phones, airplane seating area -tray table, screens, windows, armrests, air vents, etc.)
- Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
- It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Bring extra hand sanitizer with you to all events.
- Most importantly, if you have a respiratory illness or fever, please stay home.
Lehigh Valley Road Runners will continue to monitor the situation and update our websites with the latest information as it becomes available.
Sincerely,
Leslie Billowitch
President
Lehigh Valley Road Runners