As a result of the Prime Minister’s briefing in relation to COVID-19 in England (not Scotland or Wales) on 31.10.20, LDWA activities will once again be suspended for a minimum period of four weeks from 05.11.20 until 02.12.20. At the end of this specific national lockdown, the NEC will review the statement made by the Government and will decide when LDWA activities can re-commence in England. The Government statement has made it clear that exercising outdoors is only to be undertaken with people from their household, their support bubble or one other person from another household. Consequently this means that Local Group “social walks” and LDWA “challenge events” can no longer be organised. The NEC will review the impact on “anytime challenge events” and will clarify what can and can’t be done whilst recognising that travel is restricted to essential reasons only whilst the lockdown is in place. Virtual challenges can still take place as entrants exercise in their local areas.
The UK (England Parliament) will debate and vote on the proposed restrictions on Wednesday 04.11.20. If the restrictions are amended, then the NEC will review and amend accordingly.
Wales is already in a national lockdown and all LDWA activities have already been suspended in the Principality. The First Minister speaks to the nation on 02.11.20 and will provide information on what activities will be permitted at the end of the Welsh lockdown that ends on 09.11.20.
Scotland is to enter a tiered approach from Monday 2nd November. Organised sport is currently permitted in all five tiers but members who live in Scotland must be cognisant of the restrictions on travel from one tiered area to another prior to making a decision to travel to attend an organised walk.
The COVID-19 regulations will continue to be reviewed by the NEC and members will be updated when changes apply in any of the three nations in which the LDWA operates.
David Morgan, LDWA Chair
