In light of the uncertainty we all face in our daily lives with the ongoing spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus, I am writing to keep you informed of MCC’s current position and response to the situation, both with respect to activity and events at Lord’s and to the Club’s activities elsewhere.

The outbreak of Covid-19 in the UK, and globally, is deeply concerning and the health and safety of our Members, staff, visitors, partners and all who we work with as a Club and at Lord’s is absolutely paramount. 

We are monitoring the situation very closely to see how it develops. In so doing, we are following the advice of the UK Government and Public Health England to do all we can to safely get through this period of deep uncertainty and unease for all. 

We have increased our cleaning routines across all facilities at Lord’s and strengthened hygiene and sanitisation in public areas. We have also formed a working group of risk-based experts (including from the medical world) who speak and advise on a daily basis, helping us to operate effectively, efficiently and, above all, safely. 

"I am acutely aware that we are living in difficult times. We will not lose sight of our responsibility to look after Lord’s and protect cricket, nor of the key role we have to play in our community"

As you would expect, we are also working through various scenarios for the potential disruption this serious public health issue could cause to our activities throughout the year. We don’t yet know how significant this disruption could be, but are working closely as a business and with the ECB and our partners to scenario plan. 

We are making sensible decisions for all who work with us. Leaving aside the ongoing plans and discussions regarding the Lord’s fixture list, this means that where necessary and as appropriate, we will undoubtedly have to cancel or postpone activities and events that happen at Lord’s. 

Following the advice from the UK Government on Monday 16 March, we have cancelled all events from Wednesday 18 March through to the end of April. This includes Club Events such as dinners and lunches, and our commercial activities, including Tours of Lord’s and venue bookings. It has also been necessary to close a number of facilities including the Indoor Cricket Centre, the tennis and squash courts and Lord’s Tavern. All those affected by these cancellations are being contacted individually and offered the choice of rescheduling or a full refund.

I am acutely aware that we are living in difficult times. We will not lose sight of our responsibility to look after Lord’s and protect cricket, nor of the key role we have to play in our community. It is with these duties in mind that we will continue to move forward throughout this period with our people and our sport as our priority. 

Yours sincerely,

Guy Lavender
Chief Executive & Secretary