principles to help organisations prepare for a phased return to play
Government has issued information for providers of outdoor facilities on the phased return of sport and recreation in England.
Activity should be consistent with the government guidance, so that participants and others can follow social distancing guidelines, that good hygiene practices are in place and that equipment is disinfected regularly. Finally, it must be made clear that anyone who is symptomatic or suspects they have been exposed to the virus does not take part.
Businesses are advised to consider the whole end-to-end ‘user journey’ when planning safe operating practices; this means all activities from the time of arrival on site to leaving, not just the sporting activity.
Businesses will need to communicate clearly and regularly with members and participants, setting out what they are doing to manage risk, and what advice they are giving to individuals to do likewise.
Ideally organisations should publish an action plan detailing their plans to re-open safely and the steps they are taking to avoid confusion. Opening times should be clearly displayed, along with how people can safely access a facility, if relevant, for example through a booking or queuing system.
The opening up of the economy following the COVID-19 outbreak is being supported by NHS Test and Trace. Because of this, businesses should:
- keep a temporary record of your customers and visitors for 21 days, in a way that is manageable for your business, and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed.
- assist the Test and Trace service by keeping a temporary record of your staff shift patterns for 21 days and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed.