24 September: NHS Covid-19 App in use

NHS Covid-19 App for Track and Trace – In our Venues at Islington Chinese Association and St Paul’s Church Hall

The idea for the Test and Trace QR code is for it to be used by those who attend the premises we use. 

Attendees will need to have downloaded the NHS Test and Trace app. in the first instance. If then someone has tested positive for Covid-19 the NHS will email the QR code holders immediately to let them know that someone who has attended recently has tested positive for Covid-19. We can then take appropriate measures to help ensure that those who have been exposed to the virus can self-isolate as instructed by the Government.        

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/nhs-covid-19-app-explainer

How do I install the app? You should only download the app, from official stores:

What permissions does the app require?

For the app to work, you’ll be asked to allow Bluetooth and Notifications.

Please note that Bluetooth will only work on Android phones if Location Services are enabled, so you’ll be asked to turn this feature on.

The app does not collect any location data.

You only need to give the first 3 letters of your postcode, not your full postcode, nor your personal details.

If you have a smart phone please use the TJC Venue QR Posters to check-in to scan the QR code on entry to class at St Paul’s and ICA (St Paul’s and ICA will also have their own separate posters for their own activities) and also continue to sign into the register book with your name and phone on each day you come to class/workshop. Many thanks for your cooperation. We still have a limit of 8 people attending each class as the recommendations give an exemption to rule of 6 with sporting activity:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing

“There will be exceptions where groups can be larger than 6 people, including:

The QR codes do not take the place of the registers and checklists that we have in place for our classes or the measures we are taking for track and trace in our respective risk assessments. They will serve as an additional safeguard for us all and it is a useful tool in combating the virus. 

It is not compulsory for attendees to scan the QR code, and some attendees in any case you may not have smartphones or want to use the app, but it does help the NHS in contacting people who might be affected.

Many thanks and let’s hope by following the guidelines we can all stay safe and well and continue our practice of Chen Taiji with Shifu Liu at our venues.

Our taiji classes not restricted to 6 People

Some good news in these difficult times. We believe that we can have larger numbers than 6 people as our ‘sport’ activity is easily 2 m spaced, face outward and wear masks in and around communal areas and entrances, plenty of windows and doors to open in a large hall, so is in a Covid-19 safe environment, see below for all Government details. We already have a risk assessment on our website, and a booking and payment system (do not drop-ins or cash) in place and can use emails for track and trace, and we are also limiting the numbers in class to 8-10 plus Shifu and myself. Read the Government guidelines below. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing

From 14 September – when the new rules apply – it will be against the law to meet people you do not live with in a group larger than 6 (unless you are meeting as a household or support bubble). The police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notice) of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.

There will be exceptions where groups can be larger than 6 people, including:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/providers-of-grassroots-sport-and-gym-leisure-facilities

We are taking a simple register of names in venue in the old cash book, so please sign as you come in with your own pen, wear a mask on entry and in communal areas, uses antiseptic gel etc. Also bring your own drinking flask/cup. Obviously please don’t come to a venue if you are unwell in any way.

Thanks and look forward to seeing you soon online or in venue.

6 September Term Three Opens In Venue and Online

On Sunday we had our first Chen taiji classes with Shifu Liu live on Zoom with the iPad and in venue at the Islington Chinese Association, lovely to see our taiji brothers and sisters and actually speak face to face, gentle practice after so many months just online. Wearing masks and using antiseptic gel Shifu Liu demonstrated how the opening form of Chen taiji Qi Shi contains martial defensive and attack movements.

First class goes live!