The next steps: First Minister outlines reopening plans for pools, gyms and sports
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The First Minister today announced the next steps in the easing of lockdown which will take place in a phased manner in the coming weeks.
It will include a range of sporting and fitness scenarios as well as driving lessons and face to face support sessions.
Speaking today she said: "On balance, taking account of the different harms that Covid and the restrictions imposed to tackle it are inflicting on the country, we have decided that the re-openings pencilled in for the 24 August can proceed.
"I must stress though that such re-opening should only happen when the appropriate guidance covering that activity or setting has been implemented.
"We will also monitor the impact carefully and, as with everything else, we will not hesitate to reimpose restrictions should that prove necessary.
"Full details will be available on the Scottish Government website but the changes include some outdoor live events - with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and restricted numbers.
"Organised outdoor contact sports will also resume for people of all ages.
"But for outdoor coaching sessions, there will be a cap of 30 on the total number of people who can be coached at any one time.
"Driving lessons will resume.
"And indoor face to face advice services - for example Citizens Advice – can also open to provide financial advice when necessary.
"We have given particularly careful consideration to premises like bingo halls, because these share some obvious similarities with the indoor hospitality sector.
"It is therefore of the utmost importance that guidance is strictly adhered to and we will be monitoring that carefully.
She continued: "Let me now turn to the reopening of gyms, swimming pools, and indoor sports courts.
"Three weeks ago, I indicated that they could reopen from September 14, but I also said then that we would consider if that date could safely be brought forward - especially given the wider physical and mental health benefits of access to these facilities.
"Having done so, I am now able confirm that these facilities can reopen - subject to guidance being in place - from August 31.
"For indoor sports courts - which includes dance studios and gymnastics - it is worth stressing that for people aged 12 and over, the reopening on this date applies to non-contact activity only.
"These are the only key changes to restrictions that we plan to make within this review period.
"However, we hope that further changes will be possible from Monday, September 14 in line with what is currently set out in the routemap.
The following are confirmed dates with effect from Monday 24 August-
• Outdoor contact sports (all ages) can resume following guidance of relevant sports bodies.
• Outdoor seated live events and outdoor open space live events – with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene, and restricted numbers – following guidance. Work will be undertaken with
the sector on options for larger pilot events.
• Driving lessons can resume – following guidance.
• Child contact centres can re-open following guidance.
• Face-to-face advice services, including Citizens Advice, can resume – following guidance.
• Bingo halls can re-open with physical distancing and following guidance.
• Amusement arcades and casinos can re-open following guidance (incl. enhanced hygiene).
• Snooker/pool halls and indoor bowling can re-open – following guidance (incl. enhanced hygiene).
• Funfairs – both static and travelling – can re-open, following guidance.
With effect from Monday, August 31-
• Gyms (indoor) can re-open – following guidance.
• Swimming pools can re-open – following guidance.
• Indoor sports courts can reopen – following guidance, incl. skating, dance studios: Children (0-12) years can resume all activity; adults and young people (12+) can resume non-contact activity only.
• Indoor activities for children and young people (unregulated) can resume subject to guidance that will vary by activity: Indoor youth work can resume for young people in line with guidance.
