COVID- 19 Latest information 24th January 2022

Plan B restrictions for England will not be renewed when up for review next week, with the use of face coverings by staff and pupils in schools and colleges ending, and all remaining restrictions ending on 26th January.

From 27th January, Local Directors of Public Health will still be able to recommend face coverings in communal areas of primary and secondary schools where there are outbreaks or where the public health situation justifies it with sign-off from the Education Secretary.

There are no restrictions on how many people can take part in sport and physical activity, or on the activities, they can do.

For full details of current guidance, please view the Gov.uk website here.

Para Dance UK continue to advise that instructors use their own judgement for implementing participant safety measures and follow the Para Dance UK Best Practice Guidance

There is no legal obligation at this time for you to have Test and Trace in place, but you may use this if you wish and create a QR code https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster

We continue to advise:

• Wearing of face coverings to and from class venues if in crowded areas or considered ‘at risk’

• Provide adequate ventilation within your classes

• Social distancing at your own discretion within class

• Continue to follow good hygiene practices

• Avoid sharing water bottles

We would also recommend that you continue to communicate to participants on a regular basis the following:

• Self-assessment: Before attending any classes, all participants, instructors and spectators should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste). If they have one or more of these symptoms (even if they are mild), you should advise them not to attend any activity, and to follow NHS Guidance

• Informed decisions: You should advise participants to consider their own health and circumstances (for example, if they are not yet double-vaccinated or live with somebody at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19), so they can make an informed choice about whether they wish to participate. You should set out the safety measures you have put in place, and how you will mitigate any specific risks associated with your activity.

• Self-isolation: Clearly communicate to participants that they should not take part in your activity if they need to self-isolate (for example, because they have tested positive or are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace). If they are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste), you should advise them not to attend, even if these symptoms are mild. Guidance on self-isolation can be found here

For Devolved Nations, please see the below additional guidance

Wales

Recent and upcoming changes

From 15th January

Up to 500 people can be present at outdoor events. This does not include those participating in a team sport event, meaning 500 spectators can be present.

From 21st January

there will no longer be any legal limits on the number of people that can meet outdoors

COVID Pass needed for large outdoor events

From 28th January

Restrictions in Wales will ease in a phased move to Alert Level 0

Nightclubs will be able to re-open.

COVID Pass needed for large indoor events, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls.

Working from home remains important but moves from law to guidance

In hospitality, there are no restrictions on meeting people and no requirement for table service or 2-metre physical distancing.

https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Scotland

It has been announced this week that the remaining Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland will be removed as of Monday 24th January. People in Scotland will still be asked to work from home and take lateral flow tests before meeting with others.

https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to lift restrictions on 21 and 26 January and reduce the areas Covid Passports will be legally required to nightclubs and indoor unseated events with 500+ people.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

England

While the legal limits on social contact and distancing are being removed, there are still some legal requirements and official guidance in place, along with precautions that we would recommend in order to minimise transmission of the virus, especially in indoor spaces.

It’s important to remember that there are still cases of COVID-19 in England (with case numbers currently rising quite rapidly) and there is a risk you could catch or pass on the virus, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Research from Ipsos MORI and Sport England has shown that many people are still worried about the risks to themselves and others: only 40% of people feel comfortable with going to indoor gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools, and 56% of people with a health condition are still worried about leaving the house to be active. You may want to bear this in mind when deciding which mitigation measures to keep in place.

Government Guidance/Legal Requirements

Employers still have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business. The way to do this is to carry out a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of COVID-19, and to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks you identify.

The Working Safely guidance sets out a range of mitigations employers should consider including:

• Cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly;
• Identifying poorly-ventilated areas in the venue and taking steps to improve air flow;
• Ensuring that staff and customers who are unwell do not attend the workplace or venue;
• Communicating to staff and customers the measures you have put in place.

The Government has also outlined a set of recommended “Safe Behaviours” in its Covid-19 roadmap:

• Wash hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds.
• Wear a face covering in enclosed environments.
• Maintain space with anyone outside your household or bubble.
• Meet with others outdoors where possible.
• Minimise the number of different people you meet and the duration of meetings, if possible.
• Let fresh air in.
• Download the NHS Test & Trace app.
• Get a test immediately if you have symptoms.
• Self isolate if you have symptoms, have tested positive, or had contact with someone with COVID-19.

COVID-19 Symptoms and Self-Isolation

You must still ensure that your customers do not have any coronavirus symptoms, and you should not go to work if you have any symptoms.

If you, a staff member, a customer (or someone in their household) has a persistent cough, a high temperature or has lost their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate and get a test.

You can find more information in the section on people who need to self-isolate and you can find out more about the main symptoms of coronavirus here. With the Delta variant, a headache, sore throat and runny nose are now the most commonly reported symptoms in the UK.

In England from 16 August, if you’re fully vaccinated or under 18, you will not need to self-isolate following close contact with someone who has COVID-19. You will still need to take a PCR test and self-isolate if it’s positive.

EMD UK/CIMSPA Recommendations

 Ventilation

Fresh air ventilation is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of transmission indoors. The Government guidance states that you should identify poorly-ventilated areas in the venue and take steps to improve air flow, such as open doors, windows and air vents where possible.

A CO2 monitor could help you assess whether a space is poorly ventilated, and if you should switch on additional mechanical ventilation or open windows – CO2 levels below 800ppm are recommended by SAGE.

You can find more information in the section on ventilation and the HSE guidance on ventilation and air conditioning.

Cleaning and Hygiene

We recommend maintaining the hygiene and cleaning regimes you have established during the pandemic, including: clean surfaces regularly (especially those that are being touched a lot), clean equipment between each use, provide hand sanitiser and encourage staff and customers to sanitise and wash their hands frequently.

If you are cleaning after a known or suspected case of COVID-19, follow the measures set out in the guidance for cleaning in non-healthcare settings.

 Occupancy and Social Distancing

While there are no longer any legal requirements for social distancing, we recommend encouraging customers to keep their distance from each other wherever possible, especially those who have not been fully vaccinated or may be at higher risk.

The capacity limits for indoor facilities are no longer in place, but we would again recommend a sensible approach (based on a risk assessment) to prevent overcrowding and allow space for those who wish to maintain some degree of social distancing.

Combat-based sessions can return to pre-COVID delivery methods for adults and children.

Face Coverings

The legal requirement to wear face coverings will be lifted, and people have never been required to wear face coverings while taking part in sport and physical activity, including coaching/instructing.

While gyms, fitness and leisure facilities are not defined as crowded areas under the Government guidance, we would still encourage the use of face coverings in enclosed public areas when not engaging in sport and physical activity, and for you to be supportive of any staff or customers who would like to continue wearing one. Consideration should also be given to the continued use of face coverings for staff if in close contact roles including first aid in line with Resuscitation Council UK guidance.

Equipment Spacing

Equipment no longer needs to be spaced 2m apart, please risk assess and check with manufacturers (if needed) for recommended space between equipment.

NHS Test and Trace

While it is no longer a legal requirement, we would still encourage you to use the NHS Test and Trace app when running sessions, to support the test and trace system and for customers who wish to continue using it.

You can download and display your own QR code poster  here and encourage participants over the age of 16 check-in before taking part.

Where participants cannot scan QR codes, we encourage you to still record their attendance in accordance with GDPR regulations, keeping details of all class attendees for 21 days and providing data to NHS Test and Trace if requested. There is more information here.

If you are working in a gym or other facility, they may be displaying a QR code, which you and your clients are encouraged to scan before your session.

Risk Assessment

Ensure you update your risk assessments in line with changes to the delivery of your sessions.

Large Events

Updated guidance on larger scale events (for example fitness festivals, charity fitness sessions, quarterly workshops and large scale fitness conventions) will be updated in the coming days.

NHS COVID Pass

The Government is encouraging organisations in higher risk settings to use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry, in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19. This will especially be the case in large crowded settings where people are likely to be in close proximity to others outside their household.

Fitness, leisure and physical activity settings are not considered to be in the higher risk category, so there is no expectation or requirement to use the COVID Pass.

You can find more information about the NHS COVID Pass here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/

Further resources:

• Government guidance for sport in England(this has not yet been updated for Step 4)
• Sport England Return to Play guidance

Wales

Update November 12th 2021

The First Minister has today (Friday 12^th November) announced changes to self-isolation guidance and the further rollout of Covid passes to cinemas, theatres and music halls from 15 November.

The Welsh Government has also signalled that should the public health situation continue to deteriorate then further restrictions will need to be introduced at the next review in three weeks time - including the potential roll out of Covid passes to further venues. 

Those who are fully vaccinated, or under 18 who live with someone who tests positive for Covid19 or are displaying symptoms of Covid19 should now isolate until they receive a negative PCR test. Unvaccinated adults should isolate for 10 days in the same circumstances.

The First Minister has stressed the ongoing importance of vaccination, wearing face masks in public indoor spaces, working from home where possible and the maintenance of the reasonable measures we are now used to so that we can ensure the rate of infection falls over the coming weeks. 

https://gov.wales/strengthened-measures-reduce-high-coronavirus-cases-wales

From 7th August 2021, the Welsh Government has moved into Alert Level 0. Sport Wales https://www.sport.wales/.../taking-part-in-sport-and.../ gives the following information:

In Alert Level 0 there are no limits on the number of people that can gather for organised indoor activities, stadia, events and organised outdoor activities. There is also no legal requirement for social distancing. All sports and exercise are permitted, however, all clubs should follow sport-specific guidelines from their National Governing Body.

All leisure and fitness facilities remain open and should be following appropriate risk assessment guidelines.

https://gov.wales/alert-level-0-guidance-employers... details the specific guidance from the government for this stage which focuses highly on the need for risk assessment in each specific circumstance to determine risk and assess risk mitigation for each attendee.

At Alert Level Zero, from August 7 2021, there are no legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events. In addition, all businesses and premises may be open.

However, the Welsh Government has kept a small but significant number of legal requirements to help reduce the spread of the virus and help protect the most vulnerable. Businesses, employers and other organisations have a duty to protect their employees and customers while on their premises. While there are some important steps we must all continue to take to help ourselves and others, three legal requirements remain at Alert Level Zero:

1. Businesses, employers and other organisations, including activity and event organisers, must undertake a coronavirus risk assessment of their premises and activities and take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to, and the spread of, coronavirus based on that risk assessment.
2. Everyone must still self-isolate for 10 days if they test positive for COVID-19. If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive and you are not fully vaccinated you must also self-isolate for 10 days as instructed by the Test Trace Protect system.
3. Adults and children over 12 must wear face-coverings in indoor public places, with the exception of hospitality settings such as restaurants, pubs, cafes or nightclubs.

Further information regarding face coverings can be found at: https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-public

The Government stresses that ‘Reasonable measures' must be taken to prevent transmission, and this includes good ventilation and consideration of space and number and type of participants.

….what constitutes a “reasonable measure” will vary depending on the premises and what is done on the premises. The reasonable measures required will depend on the nature of the premises and the activity that is carried out. For example, those providing close personal services will not be able to maintain physical distancing while providing the service, but they should be able to use PPE and ensure there is good airflow on the premises.

In considering whether it is reasonable to maintain physical distancing there is a range of situations in which this is not practicable. Examples include where the location is too small to accommodate distancing (e.g. public transport), where contact is essential (e.g. personal services), where it is essential for safety, or where proximity is for short periods of time (e.g. sports).

In reading this guidance, the consideration of partner dancing will be based upon your own risk assessment of circumstances, taking into consideration the status and wishes of the participant as well as the venue set up (ventilation, numbers etc) as well as the facility provisions.

The Para Dance UK best practice guidance https://paradance.org.uk/.../Para-Dance-UK-Best-Practice... should be followed to aid in completing the risk assessments and making decisions on the most appropriate way to proceed at this time

The Welsh Government have published an example risk assessment in light of the requirement in the Coronavirus regulations for you to undertake a risk assessment and implement steps to control the spread of coronavirus in workplaces and public facilities. The specific requirements in the regulations are to:

• to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus on the premises, and
• to minimise the risk of spread of coronavirus by those who have been on the premises.

 The list of issues and measures contained in this document is not exhaustive, and you should consider the specific circumstances of your operating environment. At present there remain specific legal obligations within the Covid regulations, including maintaining 2m indoors, masks indoors, numerical caps on those who can gather indoors etc – some of which may change during the next review.

https://gov.wales/public-premises-and-workplace-covid-19-risk-assessment

Scotland

Scotland moved to ‘Beyond Level 0’ on 9 August 2021

While most of the legal restrictions for the sport and physical activity sector have been lifted, all businesses and workplaces should still follow the Scottish Government guidance on working safely during coronavirus, including conducting and regularly reviewing a risk assessment.

Some general precautionary measures remain in place, including:

Face coverings

• Must still be worn in indoor fitness and leisure facilities, except while exercising.

Test and Protect

• Everyone must continue to follow Test and Protect rules and guidance which means you must stay at home if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, even if you have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.
• If an employee becomes unwell with COVID-19 symptoms at work, the person should return home as soon as possible.
• People will no longer need to self-isolate for ten days as a close contact if they have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination under a UK Government programme (and 2 weeks have passed since receiving the second dose); or if they are under 18 and are asymptomatic and return a negative PCR test.

Workplace testing

• Regular testing using lateral flow devices (LFDs), also known as rapid tests, helps to find positive cases in people who have no symptoms, but who are still infectious. Workplace testing aims to break chains of transmission and supports the operation of essential services.
• Workplace testing in Scotland is open to all Scottish businesses with over 10 employees. This approach aims to support and protect Scottish businesses as they return to work, especially those with younger members of staff who may not be fully vaccinated and therefore more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Ventilation

• A range of guidance has been developed to help businesses, employers and employees understand what good ventilation is which includes Scottish Government ventilation guidance.

Risk assessments

• As an employer, you must protect people from harm. This includes doing a risk assessment, in consultation with your workforce, to decide what reasonable steps you need to take to protect your workers and others from COVID-19.

Occupancy and Social Distancing

• While there are no longer any legal requirements for social distancing, CIMSPA recommends encouraging customers to keep their distance from each other wherever possible, especially those who have not been fully vaccinated or may be at higher risk.
• The capacity limits for indoor facilities are no longer in place, but we would again recommend a sensible approach (based on a risk assessment) to prevent overcrowding and allow space for those who wish to maintain some degree of social distancing.

Cleaning and Hygiene

• CIMSPA recommends maintaining the hygiene and cleaning regimes you have established during the pandemic, including: clean surfaces regularly (especially those that are being touched a lot), clean equipment between each use, provide hand sanitiser and encourage staff and customers to sanitise and wash their hands frequently.
• If you are cleaning after a known or suspected case of COVID-19, follow the measures set out in the guidance for cleaning in non-healthcare settings.

Sportscotland has also updated its guidance for coaches, which you can find here. Some sports governing bodies may also continue to have their own specific guidance and recommendations, available here.

Northern Ireland

Last updated 16^th August 2021

The current regulations are available on the Department of Health website:

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Some of the restrictions are law through regulation, while others are guidance. 

Everyone is legally required to comply with the regulations.

If you fail to comply with the regulations without reasonable excuse, you are committing an offence. For some offences you may be given a fixed penalty or a fine on summary prosecution.

This page is an overview of what you can and cannot do. It is not a definitive statement of the law and should not be relied upon as such.

Make safer choices

Over recent weeks, COVID-19 restrictions have been eased.

By making safer choices and following public health advice, you can help lower the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Do your part to keep yourself and others healthy:

• book a test and self-isolate for 10 days if you have COVID-19 symptoms
• get a PCR test if you've been identified as a close contact and self-isolate if you haven't been fully vaccinated
• wash your hands
• wear a face-covering
• keep your distance from others
• limit your contacts
• avoid large gatherings and busy places
• spend time outdoors rather than indoors
• don’t travel to or from places with higher COVID-19 infection rates

You can watch a short video animation to see how considering the three key factors of location, proximity and time can help you make safer choices:

• Making safer choices(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Households

Up to 10 people from no more than three households can meet in a private home and stay overnight. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.

If a household has 10 or more members, the maximum is increased to 15 people from no more than three households. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.

You should keep rooms well-ventilated, maintain social distancing as much as possible and wash hands well and often.

There are no restrictions on the number of people that can meet in a private garden.

Social distancing

Social distancing is one of a number of measures that can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Other mitigations include good ventilation, the use of protective screens and face coverings, as well as increased cleaning and handwashing.

The closer you are to others, the higher the risk. The risk of transmission is therefore higher at one metre compared to two metres. The level of risk also increases if there are no mitigations in place.

Other factors that affect risk include location (indoors or outdoors), direction (whether you are face-to-face or back-to-back) and time (duration).

The highest risk is in an indoor, crowded, poorly-ventilated space for a long period of time.

Current regulations require a minimum of one metre social distancing in retail and shopping centres, indoor hospitality settings and indoor visitor attractions.

For outdoor venues, social distancing requirements are strongly advised. Where two metres is not viable, a minimum of one metre is recommended with consideration given to other risk mitigations. Risk mitigations should be detailed in risk assessments.

When using public transport, one metre should be maintained, unless not possible, in which case other mitigations must be in place.

Indoor gatherings (excluding private homes)

To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an indoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment.

Indoor gatherings of 15 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.

The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide:

• a copy of the risk assessment

and

• an account of the reasonable measures taken

It is important that indoor spaces are well ventilated at all times, by leaving doors and windows open. Frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, should be cleaned regularly.

Good hand hygiene should be encouraged and social distancing between households maintained.

Outdoor gatherings (excluding homes)

To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an outdoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment.

Outdoor gatherings of 30 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.

The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide:

• a copy of the risk assessment

and

• an account of the reasonable measures taken

You should maintain social distancing, as well as good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.

When travelling to large events you should walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of your household where possible.

• Safer travel guidance for public transport users, walkers, cyclists, drivers 

Travel

You should avoid visiting places where there is a chance that large numbers of people will gather and crowds will form.

If you go somewhere and there are crowds which will make social distancing difficult, consider going somewhere else instead.

When travelling you should walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of your household where possible.

• Safer travel guidance for public transport users, walkers, cyclists, drivers 

Guidance for travelling both internationally and within the Common Travel Area during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at:

• Travel advice and guidance

Face coverings

The use of face coverings is mandatory on public transport, in taxis, private buses, coaches and on aircraft, in train and bus stations and in airports unless an exemption applies. This includes:

• boarding any mode of public transport
• when on board any mode of public transport

and

•  when present on public transport premises or stops