The First Minister yesterday provided an update to the Scottish Parliament on COVID-19 and related restrictions. The statement sets out key changes to permitted outdoor sport and exercise that will come into effect from Friday 12 March. Although for many of us it will not be the news we most want to hear, but things are moving in the right direction and however frustrating, it’s important that we hang on in there just a bit longer.
The First Minister also noted that she will set out a clearer timetable for exiting lockdown next week, including an updated level system due to come into effect later in April. So, please look out for this and any welcome changes it might bring. As always, stay safe and think of those around you. Below is the updated guidance from Sport Scotland, effective from 12 March.
The key changes for outdoor sport and exercise in level 4 (lockdown) areas are:
- Outdoor gatherings – adults 18 and over
The maximum numbers for socialising outdoors will increase to 4 adults from 2 households. This applies to social and recreational purposes as well as for exercise.
- Outdoor gatherings – 12 to 17-year olds
The maximum numbers for socialising outdoors will be 4 individuals from 4 households. This applies to social and recreational purposes as well as for exercise.
- Outdoor sport & group exercise – 12 and over
Up to 15 people can take part in outdoor non-contact sport and organised group exercise.
(NB: Guidance already permits this for under 12’s)
- Travel restrictions
People should stay as close to home as possible, in line with current travel restrictions, however some flexibility will be given to under 18’s to travel across local authority boundaries to take part in sport. Further clarity on this will be provided when it is available.
Finally, just a reminder about the definition of a contact sport. Part b) is more applicable to us:
1. Contact sport is defined in Section 2(1) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 as follows:
“contact sport” means a sport or activity during which the participants –
a) are required to make physical contact with each other, or
b) do not generally maintain a distance of two metres from each other, but does not include a sport or activity in which the participants are wholly or mainly professional sportspersons.