Every part of England is now in one of three Covid-19 alert levels. Tier 1 is medium, Tier 2 is high and Tier 3 very high. Here’s a summary of what the latest C-19 government guidance means for sport and physical activity:
Tier 1 (medium)
The National restrictions introduced from 24 September continue to apply.
Indoors
Organised individual and team sports already under Return to Play protocols can continue. Adhering to the ‘rule of six’ means playing in a group of no more than six people.
There are exemptions to this. Under-18s, disabled people and, if for educational purposes, over-18s, can play in any number.
Other indoor activity, such as exercise classes, can continue in larger numbers based on the size of the venue. Participants must be in separate groups of up to six people. Larger groups are allowed if they’re from the same household or support bubble and do not mix with others.
Gyms and leisure facilities can stay open. The ‘rule of six’ applies to informal activity.
Outdoors
National governing body-approved organised team sport, exercise classes and outdoor licensed participation events can run in any number as long as they follow the latest C19 government guidance for Covid-secure sessions.
The ‘rule of six’ applies to informal sport.
Tier 2 (high)
Indoors
Organised individual and team sport can only be played by a single household or support bubble.
Exemptions laid out in Tier 1 for specific groups of people who can play in larger numbers continue to apply.
Exercise classes can also continue as per the rules under Tier 1, while informal sport can only be played indoors by a single household or support bubble.
Gyms and leisure facilities can stay open.
Outdoors
There’s no change to the guidance for outdoor sport and physical activity – the Tier 1 rules still apply.
Tier 3 (very high)
Guidance under this tier is subject to change, depending on local and national government agreements.
Indoors
Sport and physical activity can be played as per the guidance under Tier 2.
Gyms and leisure facilities may have to close depending on local approaches to business closures.
Outdoors
Sport and physical activity can be played as per the guidance under Tier 1.