Covid-19 Restrictions in Wales - FAQs

Please be aware that Government guidance and laws are always evolving - if we become aware of any changes we will update here. Please always check that you are insured for any activity you are doing, and make sure you have permission to use any public outdoor spaces.

When working within the guidance below, we would urge everyone to exercise caution and prioritise the safety of themselves, clients and the wider community. Please always maintain social distancing and good hygiene protocols.

Updated 12 April 2021

FAQs

Can I run personal training/coaching sessions outdoors?

Exercise is allowed in a public outdoor space with members of your household or support bubble; or people from up to one other household, as long as the total number of people exercising is no more than 6 (excluding any carers or children under 11 from either of those households).

Can I run group exercise/group training classes outdoors?

At the moment, training sessions can only take place in a public outdoor space with people from up to one other household, as long as the total number of people exercising is no more than 6 (excluding any carers or children under 11 from either of those households).

From 27 March, organised outdoor activities and sports for under-18s can resume.

From 26 April, organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can take place. We will bring you more information on this as it becomes available.

Do I or my clients need to check in using the NHS Track & Trace app for outdoor sport, PT or exercise sessions?

We are waiting for clarity on this.

Can I work with more than one client or group per day (outdoors) provided there is no overlap?

There is no limit on how many clients you can work with in a day, as long as you leave a sensible time gap between sessions to avoid any overlap, and encourage participants to disperse quickly once each session is finished.

What counts as a public outdoor space?

The UK Government guidance says public outdoor spaces include parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests, public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), the grounds of a heritage site, playgrounds.

Can outdoor sports facilities open?

Outdoor sport and leisure facilities, such as parks, children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses and bowling greens, can open.

How far can I or my clients travel to take part in exercise or sport?

From 12 April, there are no restrictions in place for travel into or out of Wales as long as you are travelling to or from a country within the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Can I use equipment for outdoor PT sessions?

We are waiting for clarity on this.

Can I use a gazebo or similar structure for outdoor sessions?

We are waiting for clarity on this.

Can I run training sessions in a private garden?

Up to 6 people from two households (not including children under 11) are permitted to meet in private gardens, with social distancing. Visitors can go through the house to reach the garden, but must not stay in the house.

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Face coverings must be worn in all indoor public places. Gyms and leisure centres are indoor public places so you will need to wear a face covering when you go there and you will need to keep it on depending on what you are doing. If you are preparing to exercise, changing or undertaking any activity that isn’t strenuous, especially when in close contact with other people, you will need to wear a face covering.

The World Health Organisation advises against wearing a face covering when exercising as sweat can make a face covering become wet more quickly, making it difficult to breathe and promoting the growth of microorganisms. There is more detailed information here.

Can I run personal training sessions inside a private home?

From 3 May, two households will be allowed to meet and have contact indoors. We are seeking clarity on whether this includes personal training sessions.

Can indoor gyms, leisure centres, sports and community facilities open?

From 3 May, gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes. Community centres are due to reopen from Monday 17 May.

Can group exercise classes take place indoors?

From 17 May, exercise classes are due to be permitted for adults, limited to a maximum of 15 people.

Can indoor facilities be used for staff training and educational purposes?

We are waiting for clarity on this.

Can I use an indoor facility for filming online classes?

We are waiting for clarity on this.

Are there exceptions for children and young people?

Children under 11 do not count towards the limits on gathering for outdoor exercise.
From 27 March, organised outdoor activities and sports for under-18s can resume.
For school settings, please see the Welsh Government guidance for education.

Are there exceptions for people with disabilities?

The Welsh Government guidance states that you can enter people’s homes, or let people into your home, to provide or receive care. This enables help to be provided to someone who needs it, such as an older person, a child or a vulnerable adult. This covers any form of care, provided by any person, to somebody who is vulnerable. For more detail, see the “Caring for others” section here.

Are there exceptions for elite sports coaching and training?

Professional and elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) - or those on an official elite sports pathway - are permitted to meet in larger groups to compete and train. Spectators will continue to be prohibited from attending sporting events.