Aerobics and yoga groups to invade parks
Horse racing will launch return of elite fixtures while groups told they can meet to exercise together
AEROBICS and yoga groups can use Britain’s parks from tomorrow after the Government said friends from six different households can exercise together.
The two-metre social distancing rules remain in place, however, so contact sports such as competitive kickabouts still fall foul of the relaxed rules.
Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, said “the British sporting recovery has begun” as he also formally signalled the return of elite competition under behind-closed-doors conditions. Racing at Newcastle returns tomorrow, while Premier League football will restart on June 17.
All league matches will take place without fans and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, BT Sport, BBC Sport or Amazon Prime.
Speaking at the Downing Street briefing, the Government said sport’s return would be a “nice fillip to us all” and ruled out fears that resuming sporting activities could significantly impact on national infection rates.
The “stage three” Government guidance comes after weekly meetings between the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Public Health England and representatives across Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports governing bodies.
A host of athletes – including Premier League footballers Troy Deeney and Danny Rose – have raised concerns that sport is returning too quickly.
In response, the Government has drawn up uniform rules to apply to all sport, including measures such as athletes, support staff and media travelling to venues in private transport, screening for all stadium attendees and the use of PPE. The guidelines also suggest players and athletes should remain socially distanced from each other on the field of play where possible.
“Social distancing should be maintained by all groups where possible,” the guidelines say. “This includes the competing athletes and support staff on the bench and field of play, such as during any disputes between players and referees, or scoring celebrations.”
Horse racing will be the first sport to return with a 10-race card at Newcastle tomorrow. The 2000 Guineas at Newmarket next Saturday will be classed as the first major sporting event since lockdown. Mr Dowden said: “The wait is over. Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments.
“This guidance provides the safe framework for sports to resume competitions behind closed doors. It is now up to individual sports to confirm they can meet these protocols and decide when it’s right for them to restart.
“This is a significant moment for British sport.
“By working with clinicians every step of the way, we are creating the safest possible environments for everyone involved.”
The relaxation for elite sport does not apply to the grassroots amateur activities. “We are working hard to get grassroots sport back up and running safely too,” said Nigel Huddleston, the sports minister.
“But we will only do this when it is safe and appropriate to do so, based upon scientific advice.”
The guidelines on public exercise have been loosened gradually in recent weeks. People have been exercising alone and with members of their own household for three weeks.
The public have also been allowed to exercise or sit in the park or other public spaces with someone from another household.
However, runners will continue to be instructed to abide by social-distancing rules and stay two metres apart.
Outdoor sports are back as of tomorrow, in a limited number and at a distance. This favours yoga, aerobics, fishing, horse-racing and pigeon fancying. The Premier League returns in the middle of the month. Some athletes have asked if it is all too early. No such complaint has been raised by the pigeons, who are raring to go.
Pigeon spokesman Buzzard Aldrin says: “This sport has survived bird flu, swine flu and now this. My lads are unstoppable.” They have agreed to fly two metres apart and only outdoors. “It’s the behaviour of the police that gets to me,” explains Steven Seagull, aged five. “I stopped for a breather on Nelson’s Column and a copper climbed 170 feet to ask if my journey was necessary.”