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COVID-19 Update: Club Closure

World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
PA Department of Health

Dear Members:

This morning I convened an Emergency meeting of the Board of Governors to review the updated recommendation by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Governor Wolf. The communication from the Department of Health states: "As a matter of public health, it is the PA Department of Health's strong recommendation that businesses cease operations to mitigate the spread of this {COVID-19} disease ... [including] golf courses."

After careful consideration and consultation with our Medical Director, Legal Counsel, and Club Leadership, the board has decided to close all facilities, including the golf course, driving range, and clubhouse until further notice.

Let me assure you that we did not arrive at this decision without considering a multitude of factors. We recognize that, at the time of this letter, no mandate has been issued by the PA Dept. of Health, CDC, State or Federal Authority regarding this issue but do take their previously communicated recommendations seriously. We also recognize that fresh air, exercise and the game of golf could be a healthy distraction from the stress and anxiety we all feel in this National State of Emergency. However, our focus in this crisis must be on the wellbeing and safety of our membership, employees, and our local community.

At this time, we ask all members: please, do not come to the Club. If you must pick up your golf clubs, please call the Golf Professional Office to arrange a time before 5:00pm this evening. After that point, only essential staff will be allowed on property.

In efforts to ensure member safety while also becoming operational as soon as possible, we are in on- going communications with the Department of Health in hopes of receiving further guidance on how to best provide safe options for our Rolling Green family. We have submitted recommended strategies for review and consideration which we are hopeful would meet the goals outlined by the Department of Health while permitting our members to enjoy the golf course under defined criteria during this health challenge. However, until that time comes, no member should be on the golf course for any reason.

We will continue to post the latest alerts to our Twitter and Instagram channels with links to pertinent information on the website. Please refrain from posting questions there and instead, direct any questions by replying to this email or via email directly to rollinggreen@rggc.org. This will ensure that we do not miss receiving any of your concerns or questions and can address them as promptly as possible.

Finally, please be safe. This is a trying time for all of us, and with these proactive measures, we hope to do our part to flatten the curve which will diminish the longer-term impact to our Club, our members, and our community. We encourage you to check in with friends and family. Remember to wash your hands frequently, and stay up to date with CDC, WHO, and local health department guidelines. We have posted links below.

Respectfully,
Frank Blatcher, Club President

COVID-19 Update: Club Operations

World Health Organization
PA Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dear Members,

In light of ongoing developments resulting from the COVID-19 virus, and after consulting with our medical director, club leadership, and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, I am announcing today that Rolling Green Golf Club will suspend all Food and Beverage Operations and close our Clubhouse until April 1st, effective immediately.

As of this communication, the golf course will remain open. However, please understand that the best way to ensure your safety is to stay home without coming into direct contact with others. For that reason, there may be an element of risk should you come to the Club. We respectfully request that any member who has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus communicate the same to either Dr. Michael Chansky or Frank Blatcher as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality to the limit allowed by the Delaware County and PA health authorities.

In addition to taking the precautions recommended by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), which we have previously sent to Members and staff, we have developed a plan that we would like to share at this time.

Across all departments, steps will be taken to limit person-to-person contact, team members are being asked to remain within their designated department and any immunocompromised employee has been placed on paid leave. Infographics and notices have been posted throughout all work areas of the club.

The Golf Professional Staff is implementing extra sanitizing procedures to make sure golf carts are safe to use. We ask that members please call ahead if they are planning to play or pick up their clubs so the staff may pull up bags in a safe manner. We ask that members refrain from entering the Golf Shop unless necessary for a purchase. Members are encouraged to keep their clubs in their own possession after golf whenever possible.

The Green Department will continue with normal operations, to ensure continued care of our primary asset. Staff has been advised to keep a safe distance from each other, and to practice good personal hygiene on and off the job. Equipment, tools, machines and carts for staff will be personalized and disinfected daily.

The Clubhouse will be closed and locked for all purposes other than essential personnel. Food and Bar service is suspended until further notice.

The Bathrooms in the Flynn Pub will be available to use. Please do not attempt to access any other areas of the club through this entryway. In addition, the restrooms at the Canteen and Hole #13 Tee will be open for use.

The Business Office will be open Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. If needed, please contact them by calling 610-544-4500. Please do not visit the club office.

Club Leadership will be meeting again in the coming days to determine next steps, including operations, finances and future plans and will communicate this information as soon as it becomes available.

We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we continue to adapt to the changing best practices and information as it becomes available to us. We understand that these changes may limit your ability to enjoy all aspects of the club operation. However, we feel in the interest of the health and safety of our members and the community at large, these steps are warranted.

Respectfully,
Frank Blatcher, Club President

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