Following these latest guidelines and the ongoing restrictions that impact our players and volunteers, there will no boccia until further notice.

The safe return to our sport is very much dependant on a number of key factors where we must ensure that we are able to provide a safe environment for our players and volunteers.

 

Advice to Individuals

The most important thing to remember is that you need to stay a safe distance away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble) when outside your home.

It is also important that you ensure you wash your hands using soap and water or hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day.

If possible, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and dispose of them in the nearest waste bin after use.  If you have no tissues to hand, you should cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.  Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/social-distancing/what-you-need-to-do/

 

Shielding

The government has updated its guidance for people who are shielding considering that COVID-19 disease levels have decreased over the last few weeks. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

There are a series of steps for relaxing shielding guidance to be introduced from 6 July, and from 1 August the government will be advising that shielding will be paused. From this date, the government is advising you to adopt strict social distancing rather than full shielding measures. Strict social distancing means you may wish to go out to more places and see more people but you should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household or support bubble. In practice, this means that from 1 August:

People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions but can now leave their home if they wish if they are able to maintain strict social distancing. If you choose to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of your own household. If you live alone, you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household. Ideally, this should be the same person each time. If you do go out, you should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping 2 metres apart. This guidance will be kept under regular review.

 

Carers & Assistants

For those of you who work with carers and/or assistants, there may already be guidelines in place for your carer to work safely in your home. For those who work with unpaid carers, the Government has provided the following guidance which may be useful.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-providing-unpaid-care/guidance-for-those-who-provide-unpaid-care-to-friends-or-family

Carers should be using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and face coverings where possible, and guidance on this has been provided by Public Health England.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/882069/Putting_on_PPE_home_carer.pdf