SPORTS fans can watch live grassroots games from THIS weekend, the Culture Secretary announced this evening.
The ban on having more than six households in a group to play a match or train for sport has been lifted, Oliver Dowden said this evening
But sports teams will have to follow strict guidelines and submit plans to the Government on how they will lower the risks of transmission of coronavirus during matches and trainings.
Recreational cricket will be the first to return this weekend after the England and Wales Cricket Board had their action plan for return approved.
Matches will even be allowed to have a small fanfare.
Supporters will be able to attend in small numbers, in groups of no more than two house holds or six people from different households following social distancing.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddelston said: “This is fantastic news for the millions of people who miss playing sport with their friends and teammates.
“This guidance sets out how community sport can be done safely, so many more sports can get going again.
“Sports Governing Bodies are now putting stringent measures in place so that the millions of people that play, officiate and volunteer can keep safe while enjoying all the benefits that grassroots sport brings.”
But the Government warned clubs will have to acknowledge in their action plans that matches could be cancelled again if the Covid-19 threat level is raised.
What was announced this evening:
- Grassroots sport will be able to restart from this weekend – but clubs have to submit coronavirus “action plans”
- Brits will be able to hit the gym or go swimming as well as they reopen from July 25
- Outdoor pools can reopen from Saturday
- Theatres and music venues can start performances outdoors, and there will be some trials of indoor performances
Strategies to stop the spread of coronavirus including collecting information on any players at training and matches to make sure they can be traced easily if there is an outbreak.
Clubs will have to stop people hanging at a venue before a match begins and players should arrive already changed and ready to warm up.
If a sport uses a single ball it will have to be repeatedly cleaned – otherwise players should avoid sharing equipment.
Gyms and swimming pools will also be allowed to reopen from this weekend – and beauty salons from Monday.
