Spring Launch

[wyctoronto]

How has the corona virus affected launch dates at your yacht clubs?

[Montanan]

Some marinas have been shut down as to social distancing lockdown as non-essential travel or activity with closure of offices.

Then there is the issue of hazards of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in sewage hence one will likely see closures of pump out stations which of course pretty much minimizes time on board until the State of Emergency is ended or until that marina staff can be vaccinated. By way of example:

Harbormaster
City Harbormaster to Suspend Pump-Out Services
During State of Emergency
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 18, 2020) – City of Annapolis Harbormaster Beth Bellis, in consultation with Annapolis Fire Department and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, has decided to suspend pump-out service to boaters after Saturday.

The last pump-outs will occur on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The closure will continue through the City’s declared State of Emergency for COVID-19.

Schedule a pump-out by contacting VHF 17 or calling 410-263-7973.

It is illegal to discharge untreated waste effluent into Annapolis city waters. Below is a list of local marinas with pump-outs. Please contact them for self-service availability and hours.

Bellis said, “we are making the decision to suspend pump-out operations in the interests of staff safety and public health.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is currently unclear if novel coronavirus COVID-19 can be transmitted through sewerage systems. SARS, a similar coronavirus, has been detected in untreated sewage for up to 2 to 14 days.

This is why one should always lower the lid on your toilet before flushing as the aerosol particulates are tossed 3 to 5 feet every time one flushes. And why one should clean the toilet seats and lids frequently.

[rslifkin]

So far I'm going with "no news is good news" here. I haven't gotten my launch date yet, but I'm going to check in some time in the next few days if the schedule doesn't arrive in the mail.