Elite sport to continue during third national lockdown but outdoor sports facilities to close
Elite sport has been given the green light to continue as the UK re-enters national lockdown, but almost all grassroots and recreational sport will stop.
On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a return to the strictest Covid restrictions by delivering a ‘stay at home’ message to the nation.
The move comes after a surge in cases, attributed in large part to the new variant of the virus, which has left the NHS under immense strain as daily case numbers exceed those seen during the first wave of the pandemic.
The first national lockdown, which began in March last year, saw professional sport across the country halted, but with strict coronavirus protocols now in place and some leagues such as the Premier League having implemented testing regimes, elite sport will continue behind closed doors.
Individuals will still be allowed to partake in one piece of outdoor exercise per day, such as a run, walk or cycle, either on their own, with members of their household, with members of their support bubble or with one person from another household.
However, outdoor sports venues such as outdoor gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts and golf courses will be forced to close, while all outdoor team sports, including at youth level, will stop.
An exemption is in place to allow organised disability sport to continue, while coaches of elite sportspeople and young people on official elite sports pathways will be allowed to train and compete.
