COVID-19 UPDATE – 21st August

Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends,

Yesterday`s announcement by the First Minister is the latest step forward in relation to the incremental return of sport at all levels, as we in the table tennis community continue to follow the Scottish Government’s route-map through and out of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The changes announced yesterday will come into effect in a phased approach on Monday 24 August and Monday 31 August. An updated route map is available here.  We remain in Phase 3 and further changes beyond the next review date on 10 September are indicative only and may be subject to change.

As a result of the latest changes TTS is currently working with sportscotland to update our table tennis specific guidelines which will be published soon.

For now, please note the following for your information and guidance:

 The key confirmed dates relevant to table tennis are:

• Monday 31 August
• Indoor sports facilities: All indoor sports facilities will be able to re-open following appropriate guidance. Scottish Government has published general guidance  for these facilities, while sportscotland has updated its Getting your Facilities Fit for Sport guidance with further information for specific types of facilities. Please take time to read through these important documents.
• Children under 12: Will be able to undertake both contact and non-contact sports activity in indoor facilities. (Table Tennis is classified as a non-contact sport). TTS guidance to follow.
• Adults and young people aged 12 and over: Will only be able to participate in non-contact sports activity in indoor facilities. TTS guidance to follow.

Indicative Dates (below dates are indicative only and may be subject to change, following the next formal review point on 10 September)

• Monday 14 September
• Indoor sport: Table Tennis allowed to resume for adults and young people aged 12 and over, following relevant TTS guidance.
• Sports stadia: Allowed to re-open for limited numbers. Test events may take place before this date.
• Events: There will be further relaxation of restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, although this will not allow all events and particularly large events to take place.

Local restrictions

Where a locality or region is subject to localised restrictions, not all of the changes above will apply. Details of local restrictions are available here.

COVID 19 Officer e-learning module

To help our clubs return to sport safely, sportscotland has developed a COVID 19 Officer e-learning module. This is to support TTS guidance which will require all clubs to appoint a named COVID Officer. The training has been developed by sportscotland in partnership with Scottish Rugby and it will provide COVID 19 Officers with key information and guidance to help them prepare for their new role. TTS highly recommends this learning module to all clubs and leagues as you plan your return to play.  https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid19-officer-training/

Facilities Opening

 In common with all sports, TTS shares a desire to re-open facilities. We urge you all however to be patient. The challenges presented to facility providers by COVID-19 means that it is highly unlikely that all facilities will be able to open on 31 August.  Operators will need time to consider the financial and operational implications of re-opening given the impact physical distancing and other measures will have on the capacity of facilities.

 The Scottish Government messaging is clear. It is important to remember that this is still a global health pandemic, that public health and wellbeing remains the most pressing priority and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to continue to supress the spread of the virus.

On behalf of us all at TTS stay healthy, stay safe, follow the FACTS guidelines.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries.
Richard Yule
richard.yule@tabletennisscotland.co.uk
07739 574356