The announcement by the Government is encouraging and positive and from 8 March we will see restrictions start to lift in four steps across England at the same time.

In the announcement, the UK Government made clear that in implementing each step, the Government will be guided by data, not dates, to avoid a surge in infections that might put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

All the dates are indicative and subject to change and there will be a minimum of five weeks between each step for data collection and analysis. The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors and from 29 March outdoor sports facilities, which includes arenas, will be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

Following this announcement by the Government, the HPA is seeking to put the necessary plans in place to ensure our 2021 season can start on time, as planned, and to this end will be submitting protocols to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support the Government’s requirements.

We will continue to update Clubs and members over the coming weeks as we get closer to the start of the season and in the light of any future updated guidance from the Government.