We reported yesterday how the Irish government has begun its preparation to relax some restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with Swim Ireland preparing accordingly as they hope for a return to the water soon.
Although Scotland, too, wishes to reenter waters as soon as possible, a continuation of the current lockdown looks likely based on the latest message from the national government.
Speaking at her daily briefing from the Scottish Government’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday, “Our assessment of the evidence leads me to the conclusion that the lockdown must be extended at this stage.” (itvnews)
She further explained she did not want to lift restrictions too early and risk a potential second spike of coronavirus.
As such, Scottish Swimming persists with building and preparing plans in collaboration with Sport Scotland, the government, Leisure trusts and home nation colleagues to get back to swimming once possible, not knowing when that will happen.
The statement reads, ‘social distancing measures look likely to be in place for some time and it will take time to work through the stages of being able to get back to the water.’
Additionally, the nation’s swimming federation states, “It will come as any great surprise that full training and competition as we know it may be some way off yet. And while the weather continues to play a very positive role for outdoor exercise during lockdown, Open Water swimming is not one of the government’s suggested forms of outside activity and we urge all our members to note this. This will not only ensure social distancing and deter mass gatherings in open water areas, but will also protect our emergency services and other members of the public.’
We will continue to monitor developments.
For what it’s worth, the tabloids are reporting gyms being shut until October, can’t see pools being allowed to open any earlier.
Sure the elites will be in much sooner, but clubs could be waiting a while