LAST UPDATED: Monday 10th August 2020 08:30AM
With new information coming out almost daily regarding the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19, it is essential for members, clubs and facilities to stay up to date with current government guidance. This page will be regularly updated to provide links to the latest guidance. This is an incredibly challenging time, and we are here to support you.
Following the announcement by the First Minister Mark Drakeford on 31st July, a series of changes will be made to the coronavirus regulations over the coming weeks. The relaxations made from 3rd August have already allowed various sectors of the economy to reopen, and the Welsh Government have now confirmed that conditions have remained favourable, meaning that from Monday 10th August:
- Swimming pools, indoor fitness studios, gyms, spas and indoor leisure centres will be able to re-open.
- Children’s indoor play areas will be able to open.
The reopening of indoor facilities allows judo clubs to reopen on a restricted basis. Over the next few weeks and months each club will have to ensure they can deliver judo safely, following government legislation and Welsh Judo guidance. There are at least 5 steps that all clubs and organisers will be required to complete before they re-commence judo activities:
- Appoint a COVID-19 Officer
- Complete COVID-19 Officer Training (WSA online webinar)
- Undertake a robust COVID-19 Risk Assessment
- Complete the Welsh Judo ‘Club Declaration Form”
- Re-affiliate your members to Welsh Judo
The Welsh Government is also exploring whether changes can be made to the rules to enable people to meet indoors with other people who aren’t part of their household or extended household from 15th August.
The latest changed in Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance allow us to move Amber Phase from Monday 10th August. This is a brilliant step forward for our sport, but please remember to adhere to Public Health Wales and Welsh Government guidelines at all times.
Guidance on returning to Judo
To create a roadmap back to sport in Wales, Welsh Government have created a traffic light system. In line with their guidelines, judo in Wales is recognised as RED. This allows for organised activities to take place outdoors, including team sports and other activities, such as dance and fitness classes. Activities must be limited to 30 people, and a risk assessment must be taken to keep everyone safe. Elite athletes may resume some activity. We are currently working with Sport Wales to create a staggered return to training.
We are working hard to ensure a safe return to judo and received a fantastic response to our Return to Judo online questionnaire, for which we thank you for providing such valuable feedback. We will be sharing the findings soon as we continue to plan a return to the mat.
Government Guidelines
Please continue to follow Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidelines:
1. Public Health Wales information on Coronavirus – updated daily at 3pm
https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales
2. Public Health Wales FAQs
3. Foreign Office travel advice
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
4. Welsh Government advice