STS Updates COVID-19 Document with Phase 3 Guidance
The Scottish Government confirmed on 9 July 2020 that Scotland will be entering into Phase 3 of the Scottish Government route map to recovery from 10 July. Similar to Phase 2, Phase 3 will see a series of measures introduced gradually throughout the Phase to ensure a measured easing of restrictions. While the Scottish Government continues to take a cautious approach, this is yet another clear, positive and welcome step forward in Scotland’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic however the First Minister notes that this easing carries with it the biggest risk to date so clubs and members of the public are urged to follow the guidance closely and not be complacent about the very serious and real risk the virus still carries. Full details of the Scottish Government’s Phase 3 guidance can be found here.
From a target shooting perspective, Phase 3 still does not allow a return to indoor shooting for grassroots clubs and members and the cautious approach by the Scottish Government means the 2m distancing remains in force for adults but restrictions on travel are now lifted. The document, along with a cleaner version for printing and displaying is also available on the home page of the STS website.
As before, in response to this announcement, STS has been working with sportscotland and consulted with the Scottish Clay Target Association, Police Scotland and our insurance brokers at Bluefin Sport to provide this guidance. This document now supersedes and replaces the guidance issued after the announcement of Phase 2.
We also understand that clubs have been asking about resources that we can provide to support them and we will continue to develop these or signpost clubs to where they can find these as we go through the phased return to sport. In this latest edition, we have included an opt-in form that clubs may wish to adopt and use when clubs re-open. If there are any other documents that clubs are looking for then please let us know.
STS would also remind clubs that failure to follow the Scottish Government’s guidance poses a very serious health risk to members, reputational risk to the club and sport, voids any insurance policies held by the club and therefore also carries a very serious financial risk. We understand the desire to return to shooting but safety and wellbeing remain the priority and should always be the first consideration.
Finally, once again STS would like to acknowledge and thank the shooting community for its patience, continued respect of the guidance, and careful and measured approach towards restarting activity, all of which has led us to this next positive step. We are expecting further updates to be announced during Phase 3 and will update our guidance and highlight these changes when this happens.