New restrictions have been agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 within the community. The restrictions will come into force on Friday 11th December and will be kept under review by the NI Executive. The implications for cycling clubs, members, and activities are set out below (courtesy Cycling Ireland & Cycling Ulster, photos David Mc Veigh BP Media team)
Training, Club & Group Training
OUTDOORS: Non-contact training only in groups of up to 15 (There is an exemption for professional and elite sports). Cycling Ireland club training sessions and approved activities can proceed provided government guidelines regarding max participant numbers are adhered to.
INDOORS: Gyms, swimming, and diving pools can open for individual training, training with a personal trainer/ coach, and classes of up to 15 that do not cause an individual to get out of breath. Contact details must be taken. Indoor sport and exercise are limited to elite athletes, individual activity (including with a coach/ trainer, or carer), and non-contact activities of up to 15 people that do not cause an individual to get out of breath.
EVENTS: Elite competition can continue, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor exercise is permitted in groups of up to a maximum of 15. Outdoor sports events and gatherings are permitted subject to a risk assessment if more than 15 are attending and measures are in place to limit the risk of virus transmission, with an upper limit of 500 on participants. An upper limit of 500 spectators is permitted regardless of venue capacity. As COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets, group indoor sports/ exercise activities that have high levels of exertion (that is those which cause participants to get out of breath) are not permitted at this time.
TRAVEL: Everyone is asked to be mindful of the risks of spreading the virus by travel and should use their judgment when deciding whether or not to undertake a journey based on individual circumstances. For the up to date guidance on Covid-19 restrictions in Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal, please click here
