On Tuesday 3 August the First Minister provided an update to the Scottish Parliament on pandemic-related restrictions. It was confirmed that the whole of Scotland will move beyond level 0 from Monday 9 August, although the First Minister stressed this did not mean a return to life exactly as it was pre-pandemic with a number of mitigating measures remaining.
The key points from the statement were:
Legal restrictions: Most legal restrictions will be lifted. This includes legal restrictions on physical distancing and the size of social gatherings. No businesses will legally have to remain closed. And while physical distancing is no longer a legal requirement Scottish Fencing recommends clubs maintain social distancing during sessions wherever possible such as when there is a break in activities.
Mitigations: A number of mitigating measures will remain in place. These include:
Face coverings: The current legal requirements to wear face coverings in some indoor settings will remain in place for some time to come. When not active coaches and participants unless U12 or exempt should wear a face covering.
Test & Protect: The Test and Protect system will remain in place to support contact tracing. Clubs should keep maintaining good attendance records.
Local outbreak management: Scottish Government will retain the option of putting in place local measures and travel restrictions to manage local outbreaks. Covid Officers will need to keep informed of what is in place in their area.
Events: The process for approving large-scale events will remain in place, with approval required from local authorities for events of over 5,000 people outdoor or over 2,000 people indoors.
Guidance: Businesses will be offered guidance on areas such as ventilation and hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission. The public are still being advised to keep a safe distance, especially indoors, from people in other households and avoid crowded places to minimise risk. Clubs should maintain good hygiene including following British Fencing’s equipment cleaning protocols which you can find here.
Scottish Fencing guidance is available here
Scottish Fencing adaptive fencing guidance is here
In the coming days there are likely to be further changes to the Scottish Government website from Monday 9 August. Once these changes are published sportscotland will review and update the following detailed guidance on their website covering:
Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport
Competition & Events
Getting Coaches Ready for Sport
Resumption of Performance Sport
So if these are relevant to your club please check these next week to see what changes will impact your club.
Beyond level 0 what is permitted, all U18 and adult fencing; maintain social distancing if possible wear face coverings when not engaged in activities; keep cleaning hands and equipment and keep records for sessions attendance
