Welsh Government Statement on Childrens Sport Activities And Travel 16 October 2020

16th October 2020 | Mallory Gray

Following the announcement by the First Minister on 9 October, the principal Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations will be amended today (16 October 2020) to allow children to enter or leave a Local Health Protection Area to participate in organised children’s activities. 

The Welsh Government recognises this is a particularly difficult time for children and young people and in the interests of their mental and physical health and well-being, has decided to allow children and young people aged under 18 to enter or leave a local health protection areas to play sport or participate in other activities such as drama or dance classes.

It is also accepted that if a responsible member of their household is required to accompany or transport them to the activity, this will be a reasonable excuse for entering or leaving the area.  

The regulations also allow volunteers, coaches etc who are required to facilitate activities for under 18s to travel.     It is important that clubs and cricket organisations make provisions that minimise travel across lockdown area boundaries by adults - including utilising alternative locations, and where possible using adult coaches/volunteers from the local area. If this is not practical then adult coaches & volunteers will be able to travel, but only to facilitate activities for under 18s.

The amendment will come into effect from 6.00pm tonight 16 October 2020.  The Frequently Asked Questions on the Welsh Government’s website has been updated today to reflect the change to the regulations: https://gov.wales/local-lockdown