As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we are keeping a close watch on the trend and we continue to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our chess community in partnership with the hotels and community centres where we host our chess events. For now, I want to share some related updates that have recently come forward.

Yesterday, The World Health Organization (WHO) has made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.  WHO Director, General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notes that “Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by the virus, it does not change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do.”

We encourage all our chess community to remain safe and take proactive steps to protect themselves. In this respect, we are providing the following additional information:

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  • fever

  • cough

  • difficulty breathing

For the most up to date information on travel regarding COVID-19 please visit the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel Advice webpage on the government of Canada website.

As you may already know, many of the corona virus symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza. Should you experience these symptoms AND have recently traveled internationally to an affected region, we advise that you stay home and avoid contact with others and follow-up with your health care professional. Advise your health professional in advance of attending the clinic of your symptoms and travel history.

To help protect yourself from possible infection, health officials recommend that everyone:

  • wash your hands frequently and well with soap and warm water;

  • use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

  • avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

  • cough or sneeze into your elbow, or cover your cough or sneeze;

  • avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness;

  • stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others;

  • if you are sick, contact a health care provider about your symptoms and inform them of your travel history.

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