ACBL District 5

Dear Club Managers, District/Unit Presidents and Tournament Coordinators,

Cities, states and provinces are starting to release their communities from “stay at home” orders. In an earlier email (dated March 18, 2020), ACBL advised that clubs be closed until at least May 11, 2020, based upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since that time, many local authorities have announced plans to gradually reopen the economy if certain guidelines are met.

It will be up to local governments to determine how and when businesses and mass gathering events will be open to the public. You should look to these authorities for details on when your club can reopen and when tournaments will be allowed to resume. Please keep in mind that your local government may require social distancing to continue, which is not possible while playing bridge in person at the table. (D5 Emphasis)

While you should follow those guidelines, the ACBL recommends that you err on the side of extreme caution given that our membership population faces an increased risk from COVID-19. It would not be unreasonable to plan to delay operations at least until the end of the summer. (D5 Emphasis)

There is not an official ACBL date for when club games and tournaments may resume. Please comply with your local government regulations. When you plan to resume operations, please notify the ACBL at least two weeks prior to that date by emailing club@acbl.org for opening clubs and tournaments@acbl.org for holding tournaments.

Thank you,
Joseph Jones
ACBL Executive Director
April 29, 2020