The Prime Minister welcomed the return of outdoor sport today
(Monday), as national restrictions in England continue to be
cautiously eased in line with the government’s roadmap.
Outdoor sports facilities can now reopen, broadening the options
for outdoor exercise and recreation. Previously, people could
only exercise with their household, or with one person outside
their household.
Social contact rules will also ease, allowing friends and
families to meet again, with the “Rule of Six” returning. This
allows up to six people, or two households, to gather outdoors.
For example, up to six friends can get a takeaway coffee, or two
families of 4 could go for a walk.
Sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, and
swimming pools, can be used by people of all ages in line with
social contact limits.
Formally organised outdoor sports – for adults and under 18s -
can also restart and will not be subject to the gatherings
limits.
Since schools returned on 8 March, under-18 sport has taken place
at school as part of educational provision, or as part of
wraparound care.
Prime Minister said:
“I know how much people have missed the camaraderie and
competition of organised sport, and how difficult it has been to
restrict physical activities – especially for children.
“So as teams return to outdoor pitches, courts, parks and fields,
I hope today will kick-start a Great British summer of sport –
with people of all ages reunited with teammates, and able to
resume the activities they love.
“I know many will welcome the increased social contact, with
groups of 6 or two households now also able to meet outdoors.
“But we must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and
new variants threatening our vaccine rollout. Despite today’s
easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember
hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.”
Sport England Chief Executive, Tim Hollingsworth said:
“Today is a vital milestone as many people can get back to the
sports and activities they have missed so much.
“It also signals a big step on the nation’s road to recovery as
the nation starts to move out of the winter restrictions. The
fact organised sport is one of the first things to reopen
underlines its importance to our health and wellbeing and we hope
many people feel the confidence to get back out there and enjoy
it this week.
“I have been so impressed by the resilience and adaptability of
sport providers over the past year since the pandemic began.
We’ve all worked together to get to this point and now we must
focus on rebuilding activity levels and making sure we do all we
can so that everyone can benefit from the joy that being active
brings.”
As a result of these changes, people will no longer be legally
required to Stay at Home.
Many of the lockdown restrictions, however, will remain in place.
Unless an exemption already applies, it will not be possible to
meet people from other households indoors and many business
premises, such as non-essential retail, will remain shut.
People should continue to work from home where they can, minimise
travel wherever possible, and should not stay away from home
overnight. Rules around support and childcare bubbles remain
unchanged.
Rules around funerals will also not change. These can proceed
with 30 attendees and wakes with 6 attendees, though not in
private homes.
Weddings will still be able to proceed with 6 attendees only, but
will no longer be limited to exceptional circumstances.
