Current Pickleball Precautions?

[Polar Bear]

Are there still safety measures being taken in pickleball? If you go to open pickleball, is there hand sanitizer available? Do players bring their own? Are balls wiped regularly? Other? Or has pickleball moved beyond that?

I want to have an idea what to expect when I start playing again.

Thanks.

[Laker14]

I would say that Pickleball, during open play, is just about exactly as it was before COVID.

[CFrance]

I would say that Pickleball, during open play, is just about exactly as it was before COVID.
I agree with that. They are now stocking the ball bins, as opposed to having a few balls out with a sanitizer spray and paper towels. Within the last two weeks, they have restored the water coolers to the courts. There are no longer any size limiting the number of players per facility.


We don't do open play anymore. We have groups of friends that either have reserved courts or people we play with at times when the courts are mostly empty. We're all vaccinated. But I have observed open play recently, and all is as it was before lockdown.

[Brownmoose13]

I play PB 3 times a week and glad that we are finally getting back to normal. My question for those that choose to only play with friends...I did not realize that you could only get COVID from strangers.

[Two Bills]

I play PB 3 times a week and glad that we are finally getting back to normal. My question for those that choose to only play with friends...I did not realize that you could only get COVID from strangers.

But it is so much nicer if you catch Covid from a friend.
Who knows what strangers have been up too!:icon_wink:

[CFrance]

I play PB 3 times a week and glad that we are finally getting back to normal. My question for those that choose to only play with friends...I did not realize that you could only get COVID from strangers.
I know where my friends have been. I know they are vaccinated. I don't get the reason for your sarcasm. I still will not go into a place full of strangers, like an audience or a restaurant as long as there's a variant circulating. And tht includes open play, where people are standing in line right next to each other, waiting to get onto a court.



You do you and I'll do me.

[giorgio1948]

I suggest visiting one our hundreds of PB courts for a first hand look!

[Polar Bear]

I know where my friends have been. I know they are vaccinated. I don't get the reason for your sarcasm...
Totally agree, CF.

I may consider playing with strangers again...with my own precautions in place...but it’s totally different than playing with friends, a known quantity.

[stan the man]

I don't worry about catching from friends -- have no friends

[Laker14]

I know where my friends have been. I know they are vaccinated. I don't get the reason for your sarcasm. I still will not go into a place full of strangers, like an audience or a restaurant as long as there's a variant circulating. And tht includes open play, where people are standing in line right next to each other, waiting to get onto a court.



You do you and I'll do me.

I am not uncomfortable playing in open play, but I respect your choice. I think your comment "you do you and I'll do me" makes perfect sense. There is still a lot about COVID and it's variants we are still figuring out, on the fly.

I am not comfortable flying, or being in crowded situations, especially indoors. I think my chances of catching it outside, in a Pickleball situation, are slim but that's just my opinion.

[Brownmoose13]

But it is so much nicer if you catch Covid from a friend.
Who knows what strangers have been up too!:icon_wink:

You are right I do not know what strangers are up to but I also do not have my friends report to me either.

[jonathanb]

We play everyday. It is back to the way it was pre covid. We played right through last year too at Pear Park in Leesburg. Never got sick. Never stopped playing. Being out doors is a very low chance of getting sick

[Topspinmo]

Pickleball ball never a threat IMO it’s the people playing pickleball that spread Covid just like in golf, tennis, bocce, shuffleboard, and indoors. Majority are vaccinated now why rec centers allow more and more activity. IMO be more worried about all the travelers you come in contact during day which we don’t know where they been or are carrier or not.

Now does that mean I don’t take precaution? No, I don’t get too close to people and I wash up. Now it I was 80 plus and in frail health I probably would rarely come in contact with strangers unless no way to avoid it.

[donassaid]

It should never have been shut down to begin with. Did you not hear the latest from CDC? The virus cannot be passed from contact with inanimate objects. Nor can it survive outside in the heat and humidity. Good grief can we just get over this nonsense? Guessing you were also in favor of shutting down all golf for a year.

[Topspinmo]

It should never have been shut down to begin with. Did you not hear the latest from CDC? The virus cannot be passed from contact with inanimate objects. Nor can it survive outside in the heat and humidity. Good grief can we just get over this nonsense? Guessing you were also in favor of shutting down all golf for a year.

Golf was never a player, why it’s money maker.

[Topspinmo]

I don't worry about catching from friends -- have no friends

Do online friends count? :pray:

[banjobob]

Cheez, just go play , wash and shower when you get home.

[crash]

[QUOTE=Polar Bear;1933354]Are there still safety measures being taken in pickleball? If you go to open pickleball, is there hand sanitizer available? Do players bring their own? Are balls wiped regularly? Other? Or has pickleball moved beyond that?

I want to have an idea what to expect when I start playing

The latest studies show that contacting COVID by contact is highly unlikely.

[Andyb]

New research states COVID does not spread from contact. But I still would advise you to stay at home, just to be sure.

[Buckeye Bleau]

Are there still safety measures being taken in pickleball? If you go to open pickleball, is there hand sanitizer available? Do players bring their own? Are balls wiped regularly? Other? Or has pickleball moved beyond that?

I want to have an idea what to expect when I start playing again.

Thanks.

Two things to remember. They have discounted, severely, the infectious rate of C-19 from hard surfaces.
Two, this like most pathogens are killed in less than a minute in sunlight, even filtered.

Get out and enjoy life!

[Girlcopper]

Are there still safety measures being taken in pickleball? If you go to open pickleball, is there hand sanitizer available? Do players bring their own? Are balls wiped regularly? Other? Or has pickleball moved beyond that?

I want to have an idea what to expect when I start playing again.

Thanks.
How about you just bring your own hand sanitizer like most of us who always keep one handy. Why should it be supplied for you? Then go and see whats going on at the hundreds of courts and see which ones meet your expectations

[CFrance]

It should never have been shut down to begin with. Did you not hear the latest from CDC? The virus cannot be passed from contact with inanimate objects. Nor can it survive outside in the heat and humidity. Good grief can we just get over this nonsense? Guessing you were also in favor of shutting down all golf for a year.
Don't know who you're talking to. I was never in favor of shutting down pickleball. They could have instead limited the number of people allowed in the facility at one time--4 per court. It wasn't the contact with inanimate objects; it was standing in a long line waiting your turn on court.


Oh, and you were as close to others in the golf course parking lots. Those carts were never six feet apart.


Look at the whole picture, please.

[Bay Kid]

Get your shot and enjoy the game.

[jimjamuser]

I play PB 3 times a week and glad that we are finally getting back to normal. My question for those that choose to only play with friends...I did not realize that you could only get COVID from strangers.
A lot of anti-vaxxers always speak up on this forum. How would I know who was an anti-vaxxer so that I could avoid being on a court with them and banging into them? If you KNOW someone, then you can trust them enough to give you an honest answer when you ask them "if they have been vaccinated?" When you play doubles pickleball, tennis, volleyball, water volleyball, or basketball, you have a good chance of banging into someone. I will not be comfortable with that in any sports situation unless I knew everyone was vaccinated. Maybe someday CV cases will drop close enough to zero that I would re-evaluate my position? However, now cases in Florida are increasing or staying the same, NOT decreasing.

Also, I am not interested in socializing on or off-court with people that have an anti-vaxxer attitude and disregard science, and would treat human life so casually. I doubt that I would lose anything by crossing them off my social calendar. We just would have so little in common that it would not be worthwhile. I would even feel better if the anti-vaxxers formed some sort of club and kept to themselves for social activities. I see it as even unfair that they would want to circulate among the vaccinated crowd. They chose their anti-social position - now why would they expect complete and pre-Covid acceptance? Also, we are STILL a long way from putting this Pandemic behind us. You can't WILL that away just for the chance to play a pickleball game. I would be glad to return to NORMAL when normal is finally restored.

[Waltdisney4life]

Hate is hate, he will always find somebody to blame! It thrives off of it! certain people wanna return to normal but their hate won’t let them , so they will always hate!

[jimjamuser]

It should never have been shut down to begin with. Did you not hear the latest from CDC? The virus cannot be passed from contact with inanimate objects. Nor can it survive outside in the heat and humidity. Good grief can we just get over this nonsense? Guessing you were also in favor of shutting down all golf for a year.
What if you bang into a player and the 2 of you are face to face and breathing out hard? What then? If both are unvaccinated - then you have spread? What if one of you sneezes and can't cover it up quickly?

To suggest something positive - how about for all open play situations that everyone gets their temperature checked? That would help cut down the chances of CV spread.

[jimjamuser]

Don't know who you're talking to. I was never in favor of shutting down pickleball. They could have instead limited the number of people allowed in the facility at one time--4 per court. It wasn't the contact with inanimate objects; it was standing in a long line waiting your turn on court.


Oh, and you were as close to others in the golf course parking lots. Those carts were never six feet apart.


Look at the whole picture, please.
Temperature taking would help the "standing in line situation".

[Topspinmo]

What if you bang into a player and the 2 of you are face to face and breathing out hard? What then? If both are unvaccinated - then you have spread? What if one of you sneezes and can't cover it up quickly?

To suggest something positive - how about for all open play situations that everyone gets their temperature checked? That would help cut down the chances of CV spread.

Far reaching S-t-r-e-t-c-h. if I rarely bump into some it’s usually side by side. Don’t say while at net we’re 14 foot apart and my partner at least 6 foot beside of me. Usually if you got temperature you don’t feel like playing pickleball, tennis, at least I don’t.

[Swoop]

A lot of anti-vaxxers always speak up on this forum. How would I know who was an anti-vaxxer so that I could avoid being on a court with them and banging into them? If you KNOW someone, then you can trust them enough to give you an honest answer when you ask them "if they have been vaccinated?" When you play doubles pickleball, tennis, volleyball, water volleyball, or basketball, you have a good chance of banging into someone. I will not be comfortable with that in any sports situation unless I knew everyone was vaccinated. Maybe someday CV cases will drop close enough to zero that I would re-evaluate my position? However, now cases in Florida are increasing or staying the same, NOT decreasing.

Also, I am not interested in socializing on or off-court with people that have an anti-vaxxer attitude and disregard science, and would treat human life so casually. I doubt that I would lose anything by crossing them off my social calendar. We just would have so little in common that it would not be worthwhile. I would even feel better if the anti-vaxxers formed some sort of club and kept to themselves for social activities. I see it as even unfair that they would want to circulate among the vaccinated crowd. They chose their anti-social position - now why would they expect complete and pre-Covid acceptance? Also, we are STILL a long way from putting this Pandemic behind us. You can't WILL that away just for the chance to play a pickleball game. I would be glad to return to NORMAL when normal is finally restored.
All we heard when they reopened pickleball, softball, water volleyball and the squares was that the virus would spike. It didn’t. Do some research, it is extremely difficult to transmit the virus outdoors. In addition, if you have been vaccinated, why would you care if the people around you weren’t?!? You’ll be off the courts for a long time, but I seriously doubt you played much before Covid either...

[jimjamuser]

All we heard when they reopened pickleball, softball, water volleyball and the squares was that the virus would spike. It didn’t. Do some research, it is extremely difficult to transmit the virus outdoors. In addition, if you have been vaccinated, why would you care if the people around you weren’t?!? You’ll be off the courts for a long time, but I seriously doubt you played much before Covid either...
It IS difficult to transmit CV outdoors if you are biking or walking in a group of vaccinated people. I was talking about sneezes and collisions. I wrote about my desire to STAY away from the personalities of anyone that might CHOOSE to be unvaccinated. That is NOT too hard to understand!

[Swoop]

It IS difficult to transmit CV outdoors if you are biking or walking in a group of vaccinated people. I was talking about sneezes and collisions. I wrote about my desire to STAY away from the personalities of anyone that might CHOOSE to be unvaccinated. That is NOT too hard to understand!
Do you really believe that if you collide with someone who has the virus, they will transmit it to you?!? So much for “follow the science”...

[jimjamuser]

Do you really believe that if you collide with someone who has the virus, they will transmit it to you?!? So much for “follow the science”...
Collisions could occur with people having their faces close together and they are breathing out very vigorously. They would pass droplets with CV swimming in them into each other's nose and mouth. I can't explain it any more graphically. Yes, unvaccinated players could spread it to other unvaccinated players - easily! And sneezes can spray droplets for as much as 20 feet. There are videos of this online. The unvaccinated spread could cost society in terms of clogging up hospitals - and new variants could become stronger. And CV could NEVER be beaten and brought down close to zero. That could cost society a lot - and just because unvaccinated pickleball players want to play together with vaccinated players. In my opinion, the reward does NOT come close to balancing out the RISK!

[Swoop]

Collisions could occur with people having their faces close together and they are breathing out very vigorously. They would pass droplets with CV swimming in them into each other's nose and mouth. I can't explain it any more graphically. Yes, unvaccinated players could spread it to other unvaccinated players - easily! And sneezes can spray droplets for as much as 20 feet. There are videos of this online. The unvaccinated spread could cost society in terms of clogging up hospitals - and new variants could become stronger. And CV could NEVER be beaten and brought down close to zero. That could cost society a lot - and just because unvaccinated pickleball players want to play together with vaccinated players. In my opinion, the reward does NOT come close to balancing out the RISK!
I play water volleyball 12+ hours a week. Prior to the vaccine becoming available, multiple times I played with someone who tested positive shortly after playing. We bang into each other constantly. Our opponents are a few feet away separated only by a net. When we block we are side to side and our opponents are face to face with us. The first time we had someone test positive we all got tested. All were negative. After that some were tested. Again all negative. At this point we have all come to the realization that spreading the virus in the pool under those conditions is virtually impossible. But you should continue to stay home to stay safe, because the chances that everyone around you has been vaccinated are slim...

[EdFNJ]

It should never have been shut down to begin with. Did you not hear the latest from CDC? The virus cannot be passed from contact with inanimate objects. Then why do they clean their balls before use ???

[Swoop]

Then why do they clean their balls before use ???
For the same reason they imposed one way isles in grocery stores - good optics...

[Brownmoose13]

A lot of anti-vaxxers always speak up on this forum. How would I know who was an anti-vaxxer so that I could avoid being on a court with them and banging into them? If you KNOW someone, then you can trust them enough to give you an honest answer when you ask them "if they have been vaccinated?" When you play doubles pickleball, tennis, volleyball, water volleyball, or basketball, you have a good chance of banging into someone. I will not be comfortable with that in any sports situation unless I knew everyone was vaccinated. Maybe someday CV cases will drop close enough to zero that I would re-evaluate my position? However, now cases in Florida are increasing or staying the same, NOT decreasing.

Also, I am not interested in socializing on or off-court with people that have an anti-vaxxer attitude and disregard science, and would treat human life so casually. I doubt that I would lose anything by crossing them off my social calendar. We just would have so little in common that it would not be worthwhile. I would even feel better if the anti-vaxxers formed some sort of club and kept to themselves for social activities. I see it as even unfair that they would want to circulate among the vaccinated crowd. They chose their anti-social position - now why would they expect complete and pre-Covid acceptance? Also, we are STILL a long way from putting this Pandemic behind us. You can't WILL that away just for the chance to play a pickleball game. I would be glad to return to NORMAL when normal is finally restored.


Not that it matters to anyone but I am not an anti vaccine as I have had both shots. My point is that anyone can get Covid from either friends, family, or strangers and the time has come for this country to start getting back to normal. The country is in sad enough shape as it is but if schools do not totally reopen this fall the education system is doomed.
As far as listening to science, which science are we to believe? If we want to slow the virus, somebody shut Faucci up. I think every morning he gets up, wets his finger, sticks it in the air, decides which way the wind is blowing and then comments.
For those that wish to stay under their bed until Father Faucci gives his okay to come out so be it. For me I do not report to Faucci.
Also, I would like to know how you and others are able to get your friends to report their every daily movement and who they come in contact with. Based on claims by some, if I were asked to report it my answer would be...its none of your business!!

[Pat2015]

What if you bang into a player and the 2 of you are face to face and breathing out hard? What then? If both are unvaccinated - then you have spread? What if one of you sneezes and can't cover it up quickly?

To suggest something positive - how about for all open play situations that everyone gets their temperature checked? That would help cut down the chances of CV spread.

And who would be taking temperatures? I think that anyone who is that concerned at this point in time should refrain from playing anything. It’s been more than a year and if someone still doesn’t want to play as they don’t feel safe, then they should just stay home.

[Pat2015]

It IS difficult to transmit CV outdoors if you are biking or walking in a group of vaccinated people. I was talking about sneezes and collisions. I wrote about my desire to STAY away from the personalities of anyone that might CHOOSE to be unvaccinated. That is NOT too hard to understand!
If you don’t feel safe around people that you don’t know then you shouldn’t interact with anyone outside of your circle of friends. Problem solved!

[Spsmith444]

I don’t think it is appropriate to ask if someone has been vaccinated. I decided to and my wife not. We play OUTDOOR Pickelball with no concerns. We r both very healthy but have different opinions and totally respect our differing opinions. I am put off by the shaming that is going on. We live with faith not fear however we do follow cdc guidelines.

[Altavia]

Do you really believe that if you collide with someone who has the virus, they will transmit it to you?!? So much for “follow the science”...

Exactly, it takes 10-15 min of direct exposure to acheive enough innoculum to induce infection.

Indoors with a lot of talking is where there is significant risk.

[Altavia]

Are there still safety measures being taken in pickleball? If you go to open pickleball, is there hand sanitizer available? Do players bring their own? Are balls wiped regularly? Other? Or has pickleball moved beyond that?

I want to have an idea what to expect when I start playing again.

Thanks.

If vaccinated real world data says risk is less than the flu, you have no worries.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/1934400-post4.html

[PugMom]

What if you bang into a player and the 2 of you are face to face and breathing out hard? What then? If both are unvaccinated - then you have spread? What if one of you sneezes and can't cover it up quickly?

To suggest something positive - how about for all open play situations that everyone gets their temperature checked? That would help cut down the chances of CV spread.
that sounds a bit extreme, imo. too many villagers are living in fear that they cannot control the actions of others. it is truly, what it is :faint:

[bpascani]

I haven't started back playing with the open groups or taking the classes. I am playing with the closed group that I am a part of. The courts now have the benches back out, the balls, and also provide the spray to sanitize the balls after each game. I can't remember about the water, as I always took my own anyway.

[Bay Kid]

Maybe we should have PB times for those vaccinated and those not? Easy solution.

[jimjamuser]

I play water volleyball 12+ hours a week. Prior to the vaccine becoming available, multiple times I played with someone who tested positive shortly after playing. We bang into each other constantly. Our opponents are a few feet away separated only by a net. When we block we are side to side and our opponents are face to face with us. The first time we had someone test positive we all got tested. All were negative. After that some were tested. Again all negative. At this point we have all come to the realization that spreading the virus in the pool under those conditions is virtually impossible. But you should continue to stay home to stay safe, because the chances that everyone around you has been vaccinated are slim...
That's a nice story and I thank you for it. However, it does reveal a logical fallacy...........

[jimjamuser]

I play water volleyball 12+ hours a week. Prior to the vaccine becoming available, multiple times I played with someone who tested positive shortly after playing. We bang into each other constantly. Our opponents are a few feet away separated only by a net. When we block we are side to side and our opponents are face to face with us. The first time we had someone test positive we all got tested. All were negative. After that some were tested. Again all negative. At this point we have all come to the realization that spreading the virus in the pool under those conditions is virtually impossible. But you should continue to stay home to stay safe, because the chances that everyone around you has been vaccinated are slim...
.......the fallacy of trying to EXTEND the results of one SMALL sample size to making predictions about a MUCH LARGER universe. Suppose it is raining and there is a lot of lightning outside - then you walk outside for a few minutes - you come back inside and state your conclusion - you say, " there I have PROVEN that lightning will NOT strike humans. That is called statistically an N of one. Your example is say.....about an N of 50. You are concluding that because in 50 instances of playing water volleyball that there were no KNOWN spread (early testing had significant errors) of CV. Therefore, your conclusion was that no one, anywhere, at any time or place - will EVER be adversely affected by CV while playing water volleyball

I have played water volleyball in years past and it is good exercise and I enjoyed it, but only a little bit. It is a lot like pickleball - designed for marginally athletic and competitive older people. Look at the history of pickleball and that only older players play it in general (I am sure there are SOME exceptions). it surprises me that ANYONE would love pickleball or water volleyball so much that they would risk THEIR own lives or the lives of other people JUST to play those games. The risks are high and the rewards are low. Maybe if I were a professional pickleball player on the last years of my playing capacity, I MIGHT risk playing? But, your Villager players are not getting ANY money for it.

While I am at it.........water volleyball has a great advantage as a sport for OLDER players, in that the water cushions the shock on the legs and provides weight resistance. I see Pickleball on hard courts as a TERRIBLE sport for older players. It is a knee operation waiting to happen - because of the sharp changes in direction and the LOW bouncing ball. It is also hard on the wrist and elbow. I have seen several women with casts on their wrists.

[Swoop]

That's a nice story and I thank you for it. However, it does reveal a logical fallacy...........
Spend 5 minutes researching documented cases of the virus being transferred outdoors. Actually it will probably take you longer than that. And not hypothetical transfer. Actual documented cases. You can look worldwide. Check those countries that you love to reference that do extensive contact tracing. Good luck!

[jimjamuser]

Not that it matters to anyone but I am not an anti vaccine as I have had both shots. My point is that anyone can get Covid from either friends, family, or strangers and the time has come for this country to start getting back to normal. The country is in sad enough shape as it is but if schools do not totally reopen this fall the education system is doomed.
As far as listening to science, which science are we to believe? If we want to slow the virus, somebody shut Faucci up. I think every morning he gets up, wets his finger, sticks it in the air, decides which way the wind is blowing and then comments.
For those that wish to stay under their bed until Father Faucci gives his okay to come out so be it. For me I do not report to Faucci.
Also, I would like to know how you and others are able to get your friends to report their every daily movement and who they come in contact with. Based on claims by some, if I were asked to report it my answer would be...its none of your business!!
My post said nothing about, "friends reporting their daily movements". I don't know where that came from. And I don't care about their bowel movements either (before I get accused of that). And I will say that whenever someone goes out of their way to knock Dr, Fauci - I place them in a certain category - which I also do not CARE to associate with. We do agree that "the country is in bad shape". We may differ about who and what TV channel made that happen. Used to believe in the expression......" we can agree to disagree". But, the US has become SO polarized that I will have to wait and see if it can EVER return to the normal times of pre-1975, which not coincidentally was the start of the drift toward the extreme wealth disparity that we drown in today.

[jimjamuser]

And who would be taking temperatures? I think that anyone who is that concerned at this point in time should refrain from playing anything. It’s been more than a year and if someone still doesn’t want to play as they don’t feel safe, then they should just stay home.
Volunteers would take temperatures or at the rec centers, they could give out a card of normal temp with the date on it. Easy peasy! Volunteers do everything now in TV Land.

[jimjamuser]

I don’t think it is appropriate to ask if someone has been vaccinated. I decided to and my wife not. We play OUTDOOR Pickelball with no concerns. We r both very healthy but have different opinions and totally respect our differing opinions. I am put off by the shaming that is going on. We live with faith not fear however we do follow cdc guidelines.
Very convoluted and circuitous.

[jimjamuser]

Exactly, it takes 10-15 min of direct exposure to acheive enough innoculum to induce infection.

Indoors with a lot of talking is where there is significant risk.
OK if then you are so sure of that - you would allow people to sneeze in your face as long as there were 10 minutes in between sneezes. I would NOT!

[jimjamuser]

Maybe we should have PB times for those vaccinated and those not? Easy solution.
That is basically what I said.

[jimjamuser]

Spend 5 minutes researching documented cases of the virus being transferred outdoors. Actually it will probably take you longer than that. And not hypothetical transfer. Actual documented cases. You can look worldwide. Check those countries that you love to reference that do extensive contact tracing. Good luck!
We are back to what I said in a previous post - walking or biking or standing listening to music outdoors would NOT spread it around unvaccinated people. But banging into each other face to face at an outdoor sport or sneezing COULD. I won't risk that. You can if you want. You likely will NOT be affected. But, again as I said previously - that is an N of one.

[Polar Bear]

...pre-1975, which not coincidentally was the start of the drift toward the extreme wealth disparity that we drown in today.
Can’t agree with that.

Society has always been pyramidal with respect to wealth distribution. Always has been and always will be.

[Swoop]

We are back to what I said in a previous post - walking or biking or standing listening to music outdoors would NOT spread it around unvaccinated people. But banging into each other face to face at an outdoor sport or sneezing COULD. I won't risk that. You can if you want. You likely will NOT be affected. But, again as I said previously - that is an N of one.
Don’t cop out on me. Show me the evidence. There are plenty of countries that have done strict contact tracing. Show me how may times it has been determined that the virus was spread between two people outdoors...