COVID-19 UPDATE – 6TH APRIL 2021

April 06, 2021

Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends,

On behalf of Table Tennis Scotland, I hope you are well and enjoyed a peaceful Easter weekend.

As you are aware, The First Minister recently provided an update to Parliament on COVID-19 and related restrictions. The statement provided further detail on the planned easing of restrictions during April and May and included a significant number of changes. The dates are however dependent on the suppression of the virus and the continued rollout of the vaccine.

Scottish Government has also now published a new Coronavirus (COVID-19): timetable for easing restrictions document.

The key indicative dates most relevant to table tennis are:

26 APRIL (Described as a move to a modified level 3 for mainland Scotland.)

Gyms

Gyms can open for individual exercise (NB: Scottish Government has previously used ‘gyms’ to refer to indoor sports facilities generally).

This means table tennis can take place strictly in accordance with our LEVEL 3 Guidance on an individual booking basis. Please note the bubble system is not allowed and therefore there can be no rotation of partners. Play can take place on multiple tables for example but there can be no changing of partners during the session.

There is no change to the guidance for under 18s at Levels 0,1,2,3 therefore under 18 sessions can continue with minimal restrictions.
Please note a Coach can continue to work normally with under 18s but can ONLY offer Adults, a One to One session.
COACHES who earn part or all of their income from table tennis can continue to travel for work.
Essential volunteers, parents and officials can travel to enable sessions to take place

Domestic travel

All travel restrictions will be lifted in mainland Scotland.
Scottish Government will consult with island communities on the need for any continued restrictions in travel to the islands and hopes to lift restrictions on travel to the rest of the UK and Ireland on or soon after 26 April.

Accommodation

Tourist accommodation can open with restrictions in place.

Retail & close contact services

All shops and close contact services can re-open.

Hospitality

Hospitality venues like cafes, pubs and restaurants can open until: 8p.m. indoors (no alcohol) 10p.m. outdoors (alcohol permitted).
Up to 4 people from 2 households can socialise indoors in a public place such as a café or restaurant.

Shielding

People on the shielding list can return to work; children and young people on the shielding list can return to school or nursery; and students on the shielding list can return to college or university.

Islands

Possible move from current level 3 restrictions to level 2 restrictions.

17 MAY (Described as a move to level 2.)

Indoor group exercise

Indoor group exercise can resume.

For table tennis the TTS LEVEL 2 Guidance applies which means the Bubble system is allowed (up to six people) and partners can be rotated only within their own bubble.

Indoor gatherings

Up to 4 people from 2 households can socialise indoors in a private home or public space.

Hospitality

Hospitality venues can remain open until: 10:30p.m. indoors (alcohol permitted, 2 hour dwell time) 10:00p.m outdoors (alcohol permitted).

Spectator events

Small-scale outdoor and indoor events can resume subject to capacity constraints.

Further & Higher Education

Universities and colleges can return to a more blended model of learning.

EARLY JUNE (Described as a move to level 1.)

Indoor non-contact sport

Indoor non-contact sport can take place.

Gatherings

Up to 6 people from up to 3 households can socialise indoors in a home or public place.
Up to 8 people from 3 households can socialise outdoors.
For 12-17 year olds, up to 8 people from 8 households can meet socially outdoors.

Hospitality

Hospitality venues can remain open until 11pm.

Events

Attendance at events can increase in numbers subject to capacity constraints.

LATE JUNE (Described as a move to level 0.)

Events

Attendance at events can increase in numbers subject to capacity constraints.

Offices

A phased return of some office staff.

TTS recognises the detail above shows positive progress and provides us with an indicative timeline for the relaxation of restrictions to allow the return to table tennis. Some of the information will require further discussion with Scottish Government to confirm the exact implications and together with colleagues from sportscotland we will systematically work through this, focusing on the key points aligned to the transition dates and issue updated table tennis guidance in due course. We hope that all members will continue to adhere to our Return to play Guidelines and play a valuable role in helping to restrict the spread of Covid 19.

We are also aware that many of you will still be unable to play because many local authorities have not been able to open up their facilities for community use. Rest assured we and our colleagues in sportscotland are working hard with local authorities around Scotland to address this very difficult situation.

Please be patient and if on 26 April you are able to play table tennis in your area we would ask you to continue to be vigilant, adhere rigidly to our Guidelines and look after each other.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call: Richard Yule: 07739 574 356 (m)
It’s good to talk!

Stay healthy, keep safe and from the 26 April, enjoy your game!

Richard Yule
TTS Chief Operating Officer
richard.yule@tabletennisscotland.co.uk
07739 574 356 (M)