Coronavirus (COVID-19) – a statement from The National Piping Centre

The National Pipng Centre has released this statement today regarding the Coroniavirus (COVID-19):

“In response to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, The National Piping Centre (TNPC) is aware that this is a global crisis and with situations changing daily. Currently, we at TNPC are taking our responsibilities to students and visitors very seriously, trying to ensure the least amount of disruption to staff, studies and visits here whilst putting health and safety first.

“The National Piping Centre is currently operating as usual, with lessons still as planned and shop, restaurant and hotel open for business. We are keenly monitoring Government Guidelines on this.

“We would ask all students and customers to be aware and be sensitive to their personal behaviour as Scotland is at a stage where personal health behaviour is an essential tool in the containment of the virus. These following actions are important:

  • Washing your hands often – with soap and water.
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
  • If you are worried about symptoms please call your GP or NHS Helpline 0800 028 2816.  Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment – phone instead.
  • We strongly encourage a social distancing for all greetings – ie no handshakes, hugs.

“Specifically for pipers we would also add:

  • Please keep to your own instrument, do not share pipes or chanters and be aware of how you are treating reeds etc.
  • The Bagpipe Shop will not allow you to try reeds before purchase for the time being.
  • If you are maintaining your pipes, please ensure that all tissues, materials used are disposed of within our building.

“The National Piping Centre is committed to your health, and as such has plentiful soap and water in all public bathrooms, as well as hand-sanitiser through out the building for public use. We are aware that this is a moving and rapidly changing situation and The National Piping Centre team will continue to be led by Government and NHS advice.