Coronavirus Update: Step 4 guidance (from 19th July)

England Boxing can now issue the following guidance with regard to moving to Step 4 of the government’s easing of Coronavirus restrictions (from 19th July).

While most, but not all, legal restrictions are to be removed by the government from that date, as previously communicated, people are urged to continue to exercise caution.

With the chances of catching the virus and passing it on still high, some young people not having yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated and others concerned about returning to an environment where restrictions are being eased, England Boxing would ask clubs and coaches to show due consideration.

There also remains a strong duty of care, especially towards young people, in the transition back to full contact and competitive boxing, and also a necessity to continue to comply with England Boxing’s rules and regulations (such as the completion of medicals before sparring).

The full government guidance for Step 4 can be found by clicking here, while Sport England’s frequently asked questions page can be found by clicking here.

Please note that, for the moment, it remains a legal requirement to self-isolate for 10 days if you test positive for Covid-19. You must also self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace, for example if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, regardless of your vaccination status.

From 16th August 2021, if you have been fully vaccinated, you will be exempt from the requirement to self-isolate if you are a contact of a positive case. You will instead be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible.

You will also be exempt from self-isolation from 16th August if you are under 18 and a contact of a positive case. As with adults, you will be advised whether a PCR test needs to be taken. If you are 18 years old, you will be treated in the same way as under 18-year-olds until four months after your 18th birthday, to allow you the opportunity to get fully vaccinated.

Step 4 recommendations

Personal hygiene – all who attend clubs and venues, whether inside or outside, are encouraged to continue to wash their hands frequently and also clean down equipment thoroughly before and after each use with appropriate products.

Social distancing and face coverings – it is recommended that face coverings are used, and that people remain socially distanced as much as possible, when operating in confined enclosed spaces within buildings.

Ventilation – it is encouraged that good ventilation should be maintained throughout all buildings, with the risk posed much reduced when outdoors.

Capacity limits and specific venues – there are no capacity limits for indoor venues, but bear in mind some may choose to put in place their own specific restrictions and guidance, particularly around enclosed areas, so please follow these where appropriate. The continued use of one-way systems in venues is encouraged, as is avoiding mass congregations.

England Boxing guidance – the previously issued Return to Boxing Framework remains a useful resource for best practice in continuing to protect against the threat of Covid-19.

Mental Health – please bear in mind that the recent restrictions on boxing activity may have adversely affected the mental health of some. You can find support on our mental health website page by clicking here.

Courses

Some face-to-face courses, such as Level 1 coaching, will restart from next week.

For the consideration of others, and to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, attendees are requested to take a lateral flow test 48 hours before completing their course.

For the benefit of those who may still feel uncomfortable and concerned about the removal of restrictions, attendees are kindly requested to continue to wear face masks when inside their host venue.

More details around courses will be communicated directly with attendees.

Boxing abroad

As ever, no club shall be allowed to box abroad until given permission by England Boxing.

Any requests to do so should consider the Covid-19 quarantine requirements that will be in place depending on whether the country in question is a green, amber or red list country.

Further updates

The government has indicated that further guidance will be issued in the coming days, and a link to that document will be publicised in due course.

Any questions should be directed to enquiries@englandboxing.org