Coronavirus(Covid-19) - Latest Advice 2021 (Published by LTA)
24/12/2021
This page provides up to date information as to how the coronavirus (Covid-19) and the latest government advice around it, relates to tennis activities in Britain and all those involved in delivering them, with separate guidelines in place for each of England, Scotland and Wales.
LATEST UPDATES:
- England - 'Plan B' update (updated 17 December)
- Scotland - updated 'Beyond Level 0' guidance (updated 22 December)
- Wales - updated guidance (updated 24 December)
- Channel Islands - latest guidance
England
Plan B Update (17 December)
An update on tennis activity and general guidance following the Government's announcement of a move to 'Plan B' in light of the increased challenge posed by the spread of the Omicron variant:
Tennis Activity Guidance
There are no restrictions on tennis activity, and so all forms of tennis activity including social play, training, coaching and competitions can continue take place, indoors and outdoors with no set limits on numbers, in line with the below 'Return to Play' guidance. While there are currently no plans for this to change, the situation remains one that can change very quickly and so tennis players, coaches, venues and officials are advised to check the latest information on a regular basis. Further information is available on the Government website and via Sport England's FAQs.
General Guidance
While there are no restrictions on playing tennis, all those involved in our sport should continue to follow Government guidance to help reduce transmission, including for all activity surrounding tennis such as travel to and from your venue. The Government's full information on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of the virus can be read here, with extracts of relevant information also provided below.
Return to Play Guidance
The move to Step 4 on 19 July saw the removal of a large number of restrictions, with no set restrictions on how many people can take part in sport and physical activity.
The following simple overarching guidance of key considerations for tennis venues, coaches, officials and players is a summary of relevant Government guidance. An accompanying set of FAQs contain information on specific questions, whilst Sport England have also published separate FAQs.
Step 4 Guidance
The country moved to Step 4 of the Government roadmap from 19 July, meaning that most legal restrictions have been lifted. There are no longer any restrictions on how many people can take part in tennis activity, indoors or outdoors.
The Government has published guidance for the public and sports providers on how to organise and participate safely in sporting activity.
Tennis remains a naturally socially distant sport and relatively low risk activity. However, undertaking the following key considerations can help to ensure the safety of participants when attending tennis venues for officials, coaches and volunteers, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19.
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Participants
Tennis is a naturally socially distant sport, but players should take the following steps to reduce the risk of transmission when attending and participating in tennis activity.
1. Check for COVID-19 symptoms. Before attending any tennis activity, players (like officials, volunteers and coaches) should self-assess for symptoms of COVID-19. These are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
If you have one or more of these symptoms you should not attend any sporting activity, even if your symptoms are mild, and get a PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to check if you have COVID-19 as soon as possible. You should stay at home and self-isolate until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test - following NHS guidance on testing and self-isolation.
If someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:
- you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
- you're under 18 years, 6 months old
- you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
- you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
2. Follow your provider’s safety measures. The venue you are attending, coach or provider may put in place safety measures, which could include asking you to ‘check in’ using the NHS app to scan their QR code, supporting NHS Test and Trace. Whilst this is no longer a legal requirement for venues or participants, it can support NHS Test and Trace and reduce risk of transmission of the virus.
3. Take part safely. As a socially distant sport, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 whilst participating is low. However, participants should continue to:
- Follow good hygiene practices, to reduce the risk of transmission in sport environments. Also consider the wishes of other participants (i.e. if they do not wish to shake hands after a match).
- Avoid sharing water bottles or other refreshment containers. Where possible, you should take your own drink, in a labelled or highly distinguishable container.
- Where a face covering where asked to do so - please note, face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport, including taxis. While they are not legally required in premises where exercise is the main activity, the government recommends that people should continue to wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed settings where they come into contact with people they don't normally meet, to protect themselves and others. It's not advised that participants wear face coverings while taking part in sport and physical activity.