Tier 5 restrictions and physical activity
On Monday 4 January, the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown to counter the steep rise in coronavirus (Covid-19) infections in England.
The new restrictions become law on Wednesday 6 January, but people should follow them as of now.
More information about what is and isn’t allowed is available on the government’s website.
The new regulations have implications for sport and physical activity, and Sport England are working closely with the government to provide comprehensive guidance to the sector.
We’ll update you with as much detail as possible as soon as we can, but in the meantime, we can confirm the following applies:
- People should minimise time spent outside their home. It’s against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of an individual’s household or support bubble.
- People can only leave their home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure, and can do so with one person from outside their household.
- This should be limited to once per day, and individuals should not travel outside their local area.
- When around other people, individuals should stay two metres apart from anyone not in their household – meaning the people they live with – or their support bubble.
- Where this isn’t possible, they should stay one metre apart with extra precautions (such as wearing a face covering).
- Indoor gyms and sports facilities will remain closed.
- Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges and riding arenas must also close.
- Organised outdoor sport for disabled people is allowed to continue.
Jude Taylor, our chief executive, said “We fully understand how worrying these events are to our clubs and groups, and the wider implications for our communities. We’re doing everything we can to provide support and funding to ensure the survival of those clubs, as they will be desperately needed in the recovery. Physical activity is crucial for protecting our health and mental wellbeing, and we will be sharing advice and guidance as to how individuals can stay active during this difficult time. Our sister site Active My Way has free, streamable videos with lots of guided activities for all levels.”
“Further information is available on the Sport England website.”
“We will also continue to work with Sport England offer vital financial support. We understand the challenges faced by the sector and ask that anyone in need of advice or guidance contact us at hello@togetheractive.org.”