COVID-19 Precautions at ICBJJ

As a former molecular biologist and researcher at The University of Michigan and The University of Iowa, I am applying all my knowledge, training and understanding, as well consulting the literature and experts as to how best safely continue training at ICBJJ. I believe our current plan is one of the best around due not only to the level of expertise we can directly consult on these matters, but also the unique design of our facility which facilitates airflow and air change over.

Here are the current list of COVID-19 precautions we've implemented thus far:

For the Facility:

1. We've installed UV-C germicidal lights in both our HVAC systems so that the air being pumped into the facility is sanitized.
2. We keep our high speed ceiling fans on 24/7.
3. We've always sanitized our mats at the end of every training day, but now we do it between class.
4. The male locker room is for coaches only and the female locker room is available for one student at a time. All other students are to change in our main two ADA bathrooms.
5. Door knobs, light switches and other high contact areas are sanitized daily.
6. We've built custom screens for our 3 garage doors so we can open them and ventilate the facility when weather permits.

To the Schedule:

1. Almost every class has been shortened for two main reasons. Firstly, it limits the time any one student has to spend in the facility. Secondly,  it allows for a 15 minute change over window between classes in an attempt to not over crowd the common areas with students.
2. We've added more adult classes and open mats to the schedule. This limits class capacities and prevents over crowding in any one class or open mat.
3. Our Family Jiu-Jitsu and Kids Jiu-Jitsu classes are both live in the academy as well as on Zoom. If needed, we will also teach adult classes via Zoom as well.
4. We only schedule one new trial student per class so as to limit the exposure to our current members.

For Members and Guests:

1. Guests can only enter the facility on an appointment basis. We've restricted these appointments to one per class.
2. As per the mandate of the mayor of Iowa City, masks must be worn inside the facility by all those not actively participating in exercise/training in class. The end date of this mandate is January 15th, 2021.
3. As per the mandate of the Governor of Iowa, everyone inside the facility must wear a mask, even while training. The end date of this mandate is December 16th, 2020.
4. All guests and all students entering the building will have their temperature taken with a non-contact infrared thermometer.  
5. Adult students are not allowed to have any guests in the facility unless it is their child.
6. Minor students are only allowed to have one parent/legal guardian in the facility.
7. We want students to arrive as dressed as possible for class and to use our two main bathrooms to change if needed. 
8. We want students develop training partners or small training group relationships, and only train with people in their group. Try to keep training groups to four people or less if possible. 
9. Students who may have COVID19 symptoms, are in contact with a person who is/may be positive for COVID19 are required to stay out of the academy for 10 days or until a negative COVID19 test is confirmed.
10. Students awaiting their own COVID-19 test results are required to stay out of the academy until test results are confirmed. Students positive for COVID-19 are required to stay out of the academy for 14 days.

ICBJJ COVID-19 Exposure Protocol

Exposure Unknown - No Signs or Symptoms:

1. Stay out of the academy for 3 days, if:
   1. You have flown on a commercial flight within the United States.
   2. Traveled via a commercial bus (Greyhound, etc.). 
2. Stay out of the academy for 7 days, if:
   1. You have traveled internationally
   2. Been in large gatherings of 50 people or more where social distancing was not maintained or where you or others were not wearing a mask.
   3. If you trained (BJJ, Judo, MMA, Wrestling, etc.) at another facility other than ICBJJ.
   4. If you competed in BJJ, Judo, MMA, Wrestling, etc.
   5. If you attended a BJJ, Judo, MMA, Wrestling, or other competition as a spectator.

Exposure Possible/Likely - No Signs or Symptoms

1. Stay out of the academy for 10 days, if:
   1. ​You were in contact/close proximity to a person who you learned either had signs & symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19. If you experience symptoms yourself, stay out of the academy for 10 days from the onset of symptoms. Go get tested yourself.
   2. At this time, this is the requirement regardless of whether a student tests negative for COVID-19 or not. There is anywhere from a 2 - 37% false negative rate on current testing methods. Therefore, it's simpler, and safer for us to just stay out of the academy for 10 days. 

Exposure Likely/Possible/Known - Experiencing Signs and Symptoms:

1. Get a COVID-19 test and stay out of the academy for a minimum of 10 days regardless of the results.
2. Notify us so we can contact your training partner(s).

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