UK Government announce indoor sports venues and facilities can reopen from the 25th July
Last week (10th July), the UK Government announced changes to the Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines.
The revised guidelines specifically covers those people who work in grassroots sport or gym/leisure facilities and confirmed that providers or operators of indoor sports venues and facilities may reopen from the 25th July in England, subject to demonstrating that they are able to do so safely, observing the relevant public health guidance.
Whilst it would be for each facility to read and interpret the guidelines against their own venue and facility, these new guidelines may allow Driving Ranges and Indoor Teaching Studios to re-open.
The full guidance and specific information regarding managing the risk, and risk assessments can be found here.
Whilst this guidance applies throughout England, the UK Government have confirmed that considerations should be given to any additional local restrictions in place in your area as this may supersede these guidelines.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf warmly welcomes this change, which will allow premises to either open or offer more services to their customers and marks another important step in the right direction as we begin to see further positive results for the sacrifices that we have all had to make over the past few months.
However, we need to be mindful that whilst this announcement is great news for the game of golf, COVID-19 remains a live threat in our communities, so we would remind everyone involved in the game to act responsibly, show respect and protect the wellbeing of all golfers, staff and volunteers.
The following organisations have come together to help golf in the UK during the COVID-19 crisis and, through the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, to work with Government to promote safe golf:
American Golf; The Belfry; the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association; the British Golf Industry Association; England Golf; the Golf Club Managers’ Association; Golf Ireland; the Golfing Union of Ireland; the Irish Ladies’ Golf Union; IMG; The Professional Golfers’ Association; PING; The R&A; Scottish Golf; Syngenta; the UK Golf Federation; Wales Golf.