March 17, 2020 Second Update on Coronavirus

Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee – March 17, 2020 Second Update on Coronavirus

This announcement is the Second Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (“DVROC”) update on the status of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta with respect to planning and safety measures surrounding the coronavirus, Covid-19.

On Sunday, March 15, 2020, a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee was convened to review recent developments culminating in a decision to continue to keep all endeavors on track for staging the 82nd Annual Regatta. And, last night, as scheduled, the Regatta Committee Co-Chairs presided over a meeting of the Regatta Directors who comprise the core leadership of volunteers who are “hands on” weeks prior to, and at all hours during the Regatta.

By way of an update, as most are aware, clarity regarding the ultimate effects of Covid-19 is currently obscured by the lack of ability to conduct nationwide testing, not simply of those who manifest symptoms but those who may be asymptomatic (showing no symptoms right now), a far broader population. Once supplies of test kits are adequate, reliable statistical sampling can be conducted to forecast the rate of progression of Covid-19, which will provide DVROC with the ability to provide additional information regarding staging this year’s Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta.

In the interim all customary work is proceeding in the course of normal operations to stage the 82nd Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, as in the past, with the addition this year of increased measures to ensure the safety of all attendees. As previously reported, DVROC is subject to and will respect all emergency health protocols adopted and announced by Federal, State and City authorities.

As for Regatta Updates, effective immediately, the publication interval will be more frequent. Instead of bi-weekly, you can expect to see updates twice weekly. Indeed, all of our constituents can expect to see the next update before the end of this week. Regrettably, we hear some schools which have a long standing, constant tradition of competing at the Jefferson Dad Vail will not be competing this year and to those rowers who have found their rowing season has terminated, the Members of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee extend their sincerest condolences. IN THE EVENT EXIGENCIES SHOULD PRECLUDE STAGING THE JEFFERSON DAD VAIL REGATTA AS PLANNED, DAD VAIL REGATTA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE IS COMMITTED TO IMMEDIATELY BEGIN EVALUATING ALL ALTERNATIVES TO STAGING COLLEGIATE COMPETITION, FORTHWITH.

Thank you for your ongoing interest in the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. These semi-weekly updates are released to simply to notify all crews, coaches, athletic directors, vendors, sponsors and spectators that DVROC is continuing to make all customary preparations to permit crews to participate in the 82nd Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2020 and Saturday, May 9, 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the Schuylkill River National Race Course, and let everyone know that all volunteers are already out in full force!

James R. Hanna, President

Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee