28
January
2021
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf has released a report with advice from scientific experts calling for the sport to be allowed in lockdown An updated report on golf reopening in England and Wales has claimed the sport “should be permitted to return during the current phase of national lockdown” if scientific evidence is to be applied “logically and consistently”. A new version of ‘Covid-19 Secure Golf in the United Kingdom’ states that “Operational experience strongly suggests that golf can be played safely on course during this national lockdown, to risk assessed enhanced hygiene and social distancing measures”. Issued by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, the body said the paper was updated to include greater evidence and rationale from leading experts to again make the case for the sport to make an early return - after Government said it intended to maintain a 'science first' approach in decision making over coronavirus restrictions. It was informed by Professor Charlie Foster, the principal advisor on physical activity for health to the four UK chief medial officers, and Dr Andrew Murray, a consultant in sport exercise and medicine at the University of Edinburgh and the chief medical officer to the European Tour. Copies of the 13-page report have been sent to prime minister Boris Johnson and the chief medical officers in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. While golf is permitted, under restrictions, in Scotland, clubs in the rest of the home nations have been closed during national lockdowns. In an overview to the findings, the report states that: “Overall, golf has the same health benefits as walking, cycling and running and, if anything, with the uncrowded nature of courses and strict protocols provided, risk of transmission during golf is lower than these other health enhancing physical activities. “If scientific evidence is to be applied logically and consistently, golf should be permitted to return during the current phase of national lockdown (commencing 4 January 2021), incorporating enhanced protocols appropriate for the new variant described in this paper.” It later adds that: “Operational experience strongly suggests that golf can be played safely on course during this national lockdown, to risk assessed enhanced hygiene and social distancing measures. In lockdown conditions golf can be played within a household group, or with two adults from different households. “At lower COVID-19 alert levels (Tier 1-4) golf can be played safely within the Rule of Six (fourball). Clubhouse, retail, and hospitality facilities, as predominantly indoor offerings are, and should be subject to additional restrictions at this point in the pandemic.” The report advocates a range of measures for the safe management of golfing facilities that have been "enhanced to reflect the new variant and national lockdown". They include, for national lockdown or tiers higher than 4: 2 metres plus (aiming for 3 metres) should be adhered to for members of different households 4 markings should be placed adjacent to the tees 3 metres apart, highlighting appropriate social distancing Travel to the venue must be local The report... Please LOGIN to read the full article.
Not a member? Please click here to join today.
