Country clubs in city exercise caution amid unlock

Members of all country clubs will be subject to temperature checks at the door, and social distancing guidelines enforced by the staff. Clubs have also issued notices to members on the sanitisation processes that will be practised and carried out every three to four hours.

The Gandhinagar Club in Adyar, which reopened on September 4, has employed only a percentage of its staff after subjecting them to antigen and antibody tests. The club hopes to open up in a phased manner, according to club president V Lakshman.

“Many members are interested in our sporting facilities. But for now, we have opened only our tennis and badminton facilities as these are outdoor spaces or spaces with adequate ventilation. When it comes to facilities such as the gymnasium and billiards, we will await further guidelines as issued by the government before reopening them,” he said.

While swimming pools remain shut, some clubs have opted to reopen their gyms while others opt to keep those facilities closed. Restaurant and dining facilities are also open to members, with minimal staff.

Meanwhile, some clubs have preferred to remain closed to ensure effective carrying out of social distancing and safety norms. One such club is Madras Boat Club, which will remain closed until these measures can be put in place.

“We have referred to the Rowing Federation of India for the safety guidelines for our rowers. For now, we hope to introduce only single skull rowing and double skulls for members from the same household. The boats will be cleaned and sanitised after each use,” said club president KV Balachander.

Members of the clubs have returned to patronise the facilities available, but many are exercising caution. According to one member of a local country club, “The facilities are well cleaned and social distancing is enforced. It felt good to go out and get in a game of tennis. However, as I have elders at home, I will be careful during my visits.”