Over-70s allowed to play golf and tennis

MINISTER Simon Harris last night confirmed that the over-70s can attend golf and tennis facilities within the 5km limit.

The Department of Health also clarified that the limit is measured as the ‘crow flies’, which gives the public slightly more scope when travelling from home.

Mr Harris issued a statement to the Irish Mail on Sunday last night dispelling confusion on golf courses and tennis clubs.

‘From Monday, like everyone else, people over 70 can avail of outdoor facilities like golf courses or tennis clubs within their 5km,’ said Mr Harris.

‘We are asking everyone to continue to keep physical distance and not to share sports equipment.

‘For those over 70 and medically vulnerable, they know they must take extra precautions to protect themselves and they should try to limit their exercise to their household contacts and try to limit the number of activities you engage in.’

Nevertheless Mr Harris continued to urge caution.

‘Movement outside the home increases risk,’ said the Minister, ‘We are still very strongly advising against people over 70 going to shops and would encourage others to continue to help shield and protect older people and those medically vulnerable.

‘This virus is still very much here and we are seeing the pain and tragedy it can cause. We must all work to keep each other safe.’

Government sources also told the MoS last night that golf clubs and tennis clubs are not expected to enforce or monitor the 5km limit. ‘This is a function for the gardaí,’ said a Government official. ‘They and only they are expected to monitor this and they certainly won’t be going into golf clubs questioning people.

‘You will still have to explain your reasons for travel.’

An additional comfort for people will be that travel limits can be calculated using the 2kmfromhome.com website.

This has an option of a 5km radius from home, and invariably allows greater distances of travel than road measurement.