Practice good hygiene, avoid training jiu-jitsu, stay away from the gym but do not cancel your membership. Here are key things every grappler can do during the pandemic. 

1. Be Informed, Follow Directions

The most important thing is to follow government guidelines and avoid misinformation. Instead of sharing unsubstantiated posts on social media, look to trusted sources such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The COVD-19 coronavirus pandemic is real, it will have a substantial effect on society, and the threat is not being overplayed. It is not a conspiracy, it is not a hoax, and people will die as a result. 

Your participation in mitigating the spread of coronavirus is not optional. Be responsible, think about other people. 

2. Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and try not to touch common objects in public places. Keep your clothing clean. 

Evidence shows that the use of face masks is not necessary for the general populace, and is recommended only for health workers or those in close contact with infected people. 

3. Stay Away From The Gym

COVD-19 can be passed via microscopic droplets of bodily fluids, and a jiu-jitsu gym is the worst possible environment for avoiding close personal contact. A major recommendation is to practice "social distancing". Avoid public gatherings and try to maintain a distance of 6 feet from other people. Avoid personal contact and do not shake hands. 

4. Don't Train Jiu-Jitsu

Does this need to be said? Personal contact is out, sweating on your friends is out, being in a room full of sweating, grunting people is out. No matter how many times a day the gym is cleaned, the risk is from other people. Do. Not. Train. Jiu-jitsu. 

5. Do Not Cancel or Suspend Your Membership

Nobody knows how long this will last. Small businesses will get hit particularly hard, and the lack of income means many establishments could fail. Jiu-jitsu gyms are no different. Avoid canceling or suspending your contract, as the sudden drop in income means jiu-jitsu gyms will struggle to pay essential bills such as rent and utilities, which means that they could be forced to close permanently. If you are struggling for cash and absolutely need to suspend your membership, talk with the gym owners about possible solutions. Otherwise you may not have a gym to come back to.