BEF update: Activity in England post-lockdown

British Equestrian (BEF) has issued an update following the government announcement regarding the revised tier system when lockdown in England ends. The following statement has been published as received for complete clarity.

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The government announced details of the revised three-tier alert system for England earlier today and which areas would fall into each tier. The positive news is that equestrian activity can largely continue within number and setting restrictions based on the area’s tier level. Current lockdown restrictions remain in place until 00.01 on Wednesday 2 December and should be followed until then.

Overview of the tiers and how it relates to equestrianism

Tier 1 – Medium alert

• organised outdoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can continue (Please note, the use of indoor/covered arenas for equestrian activity has previously been classified as outdoor activity in England and Scotland)
• organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can continue to take place, if the rule of six is followed. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes, and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
• if you live in a tier 1 area and travel to an area in a higher tier you should follow the rules for that area while you are there. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as part of a longer journey.

 

Tier 2 – High alert

• organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue (Please note, the use of indoor/covered arenas for equestrian activity has previously been classified as outdoor activity in England and Scotland)
• organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing

• you can’t socialise with other households indoors
• you can meet in a group of up to six outside – including in a garden, or a public place

• if you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.

 

Tier 3 – Very High alert

• leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open
• organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place (Please note, the use of indoor/covered arenas for equestrian activity has previously been classified as outdoor activity in England and Scotland)

• you can’t mix with other households indoors, or in private gardens and pub gardens
• you can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks, beaches or countryside

• avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey. You may travel out of a tier 3 area for individual exercise.

 

In all tiers, all equestrian facilities, yards and centres can open for lessons, hire and competitions. Horse owners and guardians can travel to care and exercise horses without restriction including travelling horses away from the yard for exercise, training/lessons, hire or competition. Hacking on a social basis should only be done within the rule of six. Where possible, travel into and out of tier three should be avoided.

In all tiers, coaches and equestrian practitioners can continue to operate within COVID protocols and risk assessments for the provision of a safe workplace. Travel is permitted between tiers but please observe the requirements of the tier you live in.

Check what tier your area has been placed in by postcode here. Link: https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions

BEF Chief Executive Iain Graham commented;

While coming out of lockdown in England will enable much of our activity to continue, we must continue to remain vigilant and strictly follow all COVID protocols and guidance in place at venues, in the workplace, on yards and in any areas you visit and at home.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel but we must all continue to play our part across the United Kingdom. So, be it in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, please enjoy your horses, carry out your work and open your businesses and centres of learning but please do it safely so we can avoid any further lockdowns in any areas.”

We published a guide to the help available for the self-employed and freelancers today to help this group who may have suffered under the restrictions hampering their ability to work.

 Useful links

GOV.UK – local restriction tiers: what you need to know

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

GOV.UK – meeting others safely

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing

GOV.UK – local restriction post code checker

https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions

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