COVID guidance for sport and physical activity across the UK
With Covid restrictions being lifted across the UK, CIMSPA is here to help everyone in sport and physical activity understand what the latest government guidance is.
We will keep this page updated, as well as posting updates on our social media channels:Please note, this is only intended as a summary of current guidance. If in doubt, please refer to the relevant government website (links below).
Current restrictions/guidance (updated 28 March 2022)
England
General guidance
All Covid restrictions ended in England on Thursday 24 February.
- All forms of sport and physical activity can still take place with no restrictions, but we recommend you continue to take sensible precautions such as hand sanitising, good hygiene and ventilation.
Face coverings
- You no longer need to wear a face covering, but the government suggests you consider wearing one in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet. It is not recommended to wear one while exercising.
Testing and self-isolation
- From 24 February - Anyone testing positive for Covid will no longer be legally required to self-isolate. But you are still advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days. Routine contact tracing will end, so fully-vaccinated close contacts and those under 18 will no longer be legally required to test daily for seven days.
- From 1 April - Free mass symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for the general public will end, and will instead be targeted towards the most vulnerable.
- People with Covid symptoms will be asked to exercise personal responsibility when deciding whether to stay at home - until then they are still advised to do so.
Links
Government guidance for England
Sport England FAQs
Scotland
General guidance
Face coverings
- By law, everyone age 12 and over must wear a face covering in most indoor public places in Scotland (unless exempt). This includes gyms, leisure facilities and community centres, but you can remove them while exercising. More details here.
Testing and self-isolation
- If you’re a close contact of someone with COVID–19 and you’re fully vaccinated along with your booster dose, you can take daily rapid lateral flow tests for 7 days instead of self isolating. If you test positive or develop symptoms during this time you should self-isolate for 10 days.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 you should self-isolate for 10 days. You can end self-isolation early if you do not have a high temperature and get 2 negative lateral flow test results on days 6 and 7, taken at least 24 hours apart.
- If you do not have symptoms and get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, you must self-isolate. You do not need to take a PCR test to confirm your result.
- From Monday 28 February, people are being advised to take a lateral flow test at least twice a week - especially if they are going to a crowded place or mixing with someone who is clinically vulnerable.
Links
Wales
Wales is at alert level 0.More details here.
There are no longer limits on the number of people that can meet outdoors or indoors for sport.
Face coverings
- Face coverings are now only legally required in health and social care settings. More details here.
COVID Pass
- You no longer need to show the NHS COVID Pass to go to indoor and outdoor events.
Testing and self-isolation
- Click here for the latest guidance on testing and self-isolation https://gov.wales/self-isolation
- From 18 April if the current public health situation remains stable, all remaining restrictions will be removed.
Links
Northern Ireland
General guidance
- From 15 February there are no legal restrictions on participation in sport and physical activity.
- Click here for the latest guidance on indoor and outdoor sport and exercise http://www.sportni.net/return-to-sport/
Links
Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
CIMSPA's work enhances the career opportunities and professional development of the workforce operating in sport, fitness, exercise, leisure, gym, coaching, health and wellbeing. We achieve this through sector-wide engagement, membership, networking, events, directories and professional standards.