Please find our updated statement following the recent Welsh Government announcement by First Minister Mark Drakeford below.

We welcome the easing of restrictions by Welsh Government today as well as commending them for putting in place what they feel is best route back for Wales. 

The coronavirus pandemic remains a difficult situation throughout Wales and the whole of the UK, and we are acutely aware the effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come. We must work together to resume our sport responsibly as and when it is deemed safe to do so.

Monday’s changes include:

• Enabling private prayer in places of worship where social distancing is maintained and gatherings do not take place
• Restarting the housing market by enabling house viewings to take place in vacant properties and house moves where a sale has been agreed but not yet completed
• Lifting the restrictions on outdoor sports courts but social distancing must be maintained. No contact or team sports will be allowed
• Enabling non-professional elite athletes, including Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, to resume training.

Welsh Judo CEO, Darren Warner commented, “We’re happy to hear our members can participate in a variety of outdoor sports again and encourage everyone to do so. Whilst our clubs remain closed we feel this is a step closer to returning to judo. We also welcome the news that we can begin working on a return to training for our elite athletes. This experience should help us provide even better guidance to our clubs when they’re finally able to return”.

Please remember, as clubs based in Wales to follow the Welsh Government Guidelines. We will be continuing to work with colleagues across the sport in the UK and Wales to make decisions and provide clarity and guidance when appropriate. Rest assured we are continuing to support our members, clubs, coaches and athletes in any way it possibly can at this difficult time not just to manage the current situation, but also to look at what comes next for the sport. 

A reminder that office is still open remotely, and all general enquiries can still be made via email to office@welshjudo.com.

Please continue to follow Welsh Government guidelines by following links and websites: 

1. Public Health Wales information on Coronavirus – updated daily at 3pm 

https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales

2. Public Health Wales FAQs 

https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china/coronavirus-faqs-accordion/faqs-on-coronavirus-english/

3. Foreign Office travel advice 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

4. Welsh Government advice 

https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19

Supporting each other continues to be vital, and we express our greatest thanks to each and every one of our clubs, coaches, judoka, parents, and volunteers. Our Welsh Judo community remains as strong as ever.

Please continue to keep in touch via our website and social media.

Once more, diolch yn fawr.