Yarra Ranges Coronavirus update 26 Mar 2020

ULYSSES CLUB, YARRA RANGES BRANCH – CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:
I do not want to be an alarmist with this Coronavirus issue, but if there was ever a time to park your motorcycle in the garage, clean it, polish it and undertake some of those forgotten maintenance tasks then now is the time to do so.
The Committee wants to remind Club Members that our monthly Social Evening has been cancelled and my discussion with Club Kilsyth has indicated that there will be no functions at least until May 2020 when the situation will be assessed but may be extended beyond that date.
I have spoken to Ken from Brunch who advised that they are operating on a day to day basis and only serving take away food and drink. He indicated that they may close in the very near future if business does not improve which includes Saturday Brunch. He will advise me in due course so please keep an eye on Facebook and the Web Page.
The Committee of the Ulysses Club, Yarra Ranges Branch cannot direct members not to go on rides, these rides cannot be officially sanctioned by the Committee therefore should not be advertised via the branch Website or Facebook page. If members choose to go on a ride in a group, it is a personal decision for each of the participants and it will be their personal responsibility to behave in accordance with Government Restrictions, Social Distancing and personal hygiene.
This is all very unfortunate, but we all must do the best we can to get through this pandemic and hopefully come out at the other end, so we can get back to doing what we do best.
The Ulysses Club, Yarra Ranges Branch Committee have communicated over the last few days and for the health and well-being of our members have decided the following:
• The Committee is supportive of the Federal and State Government’s Restrictions.
• Brunch as a social meeting point will cease and no formal Ulysses Club, Yarra Ranges Branch Business / Announcements will be conducted.
• The Welfare Officer will put some Subject matter (gathering restrictions / Social Distancing / Hygiene etc.) together and get it out there through Facebook and Web Page.

• Branch Rides will cease and will not be posted until further notice. This includes the Mid-Week Rides, Sunday Rides and Breakfast Rides.
• The Social Restrictions sanctioned by The Ulysses Club, Yarra Ranges Branch will be reviewed on a monthly basis at the Monthly Committee Meeting.
These decisions have been made to reduce the impact and Risk of transmission and infection of the Coronavirus and are made with the health and well-being of our members in mind, these decisions are not taken lightly.
We also want to advise members to stay home unless you are required for essential services work, or if you are going to the Supermarket, Chemist, your Medical Clinic or Hospital. If you do need to go out, then please ensure you undertake the social distance rules that now apply across Australia.
Do not engage in social gatherings or congregate in groups. Do not try and get a small group together and go for a ride. Additionally, do not try to advertise them via the Club Facebook or Web Page. This is irresponsible and such notices will be removed immediately.
The advice that National Committee are offering is to:
• Adhere to all restrictions announced by the Federal/State governments
• Apply all rules relating to social distancing and remain 1.5m from other persons.
• Adhere to proper hygiene procedures, by washing hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer after touching anything that may be used by others.
• Do not congregate in groups if possible.
• Do not attend pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes etc (now closed).
Once we get through this challenge, we will be able to enjoy motorcycling again in the way we know it, just not now.

Stewart Westfield
#59019
President
Ulysses Club, Yarra Ranges Branch