A Third National Lockdown Announced By The Prime Minister But Elite Sport In England Can Continue Behind Closed Doors
Venues such as gyms, tennis courts and golf courses will be closed as the UK recorded more than 50,000 new confirmed Covid cases for the seventh day in a row.
The rules regarding sport and leisure activities in England are similar to those announced by Nicola Sturgeon in Scotland earlier, with professional sport continuing due to their rigid testing systems in place for dealing with Coronavirus.
In football, the Carabao Cup semi-finals are being played on Tuesday and Wednesday, while the FA Cup third round - which has 32 fixtures spanning four days - starts on Friday. There are also several Women's Super League, English Football League and National League games set to take place, as well as English Premiership and Premier 15’s rugby union matches, plus the Masters snooker event in Milton Keynes.
The BHA have reacted to the latest announcements by confirming that race meets will go ahead behind closed doors during the latest lockdown period. Restrictions will be placed upon the number of people in attendance.
Despite it appearing inevitable that another lockdown would be faced amidst continually rising cases within the general public, elite sport has continued in spite of increasing positive cases and numerous postponements of fixtures. Seven of last Saturday's EFL games - and 52 across the season - have been called off as the teams are affected by the virus, with four Premier League matches also postponed. Circuit-breakers have been mentioned as well as potential suspensions of leagues until safety can be assured.
The UK government published its guidance for England's new national lockdown shortly after the prime minister's televised address at 8pm this Monday evening. Here are the points relating to sport and physical activity:
- Elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) - or those on an official elite sports pathway - to compete and train
- Indoor gyms and sports facilities will remain closed
- Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges and riding arenas must also close
- Organised outdoor sport for disabled people is allowed to continue
So many stadiums around the country will be expected once again to function in hosting matches without the vibrance of spectators. Stadium managers and director’s will be well drilled now and the stadia’s staff will be prepared once again to try and assist in creating a platform to bring the joy of live sport to a nation confined once again to their own homes as the fight to regain control against emerging viruses continues.
