Following the First Minister’s update provided on 3 August 2021 confirming that all of Scotland will move ‘Beyond Level 0’ on the 9th of August 2021, Scottish Volleyball are now in a position to release new guidance for Volleyball in Scotland. Although restrictions are being eased, it was also confirmed that the Scottish Government will retain the option of putting in place local measures and travel restrictions to manage any future virus outbreaks. Therefore, protection levels guidance for sport and physical activity continues to be provided within this document along with additional information for ‘Beyond Level 0’.
A summary of changes relating to ‘Beyond Level 0’ is below but members and teams should still take the time to read the attached guidance fully before taking part in sessions.
Size of group: Outdoor, the maximum bubble size of 500 participants has been removed although the total daily limit of 5000 participants is retained. Indoors, there is now a return to normal facility occupancy levels with a focus on good ventilation and “Give People Space” messaging. Beyond Level 0, this ventilation should be monitored to maintain levels at 800-1000ppm. Scottish Volleyball recommends a maximum of 8 people (4v4) on a badminton court and 12 people (6v6) on a 9x18m court at any one time but there is no maximum in the hall at any one time and this should instead be based on the “normal facility occupancy”.
Face coverings: Face coverings should be worn out with activity and whilst coaching except when an exemption applies: where an individual has a health condition or is disabled, including hidden disabilities, for example, autism, dementia, or a learning disability; where there is difficulty in communicating with participants who may not be close by, and safety is an issue i.e., in a swimming lesson. In such cases alternative measures should be considered such as use of a face visor; or being physically active or exercising as part of the coached session. Good hand and respiratory hygiene as well as surface cleaning should also be upheld.
Test and Protect: Test and Protect is Scotland’s way of putting into practice NHS Scotland’s test, trace, isolate, and support strategy. Containing outbreaks early is crucial to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect the NHS, and save lives, and avoid the reintroduction of social and economic lockdown. This will support the country to return to, and maintain, a more normal way of life.
Changes come into force in Scotland from 9 August 2021 for close contacts of those testing positive for Covid-19. Those with symptoms or testing positive will still be required to self-isolate. Close contacts aged 18 years or older who have been double vaccinated more than 14 days prior and with no symptoms will be able to get a PCR test and end self-isolation if the result is negative. Those aged 5-17 years of age will also be able to take a PCR test and end self-isolation (without being double vaccinated) if the test result is negative. This approach will be encouraged but not required for children under 5 years.
The Protection Levels Framework outlines the 5 levels as well as Beyond 0 whilst the Play it Safe (9th August 2021) Guidance provides Beyond 0 specific guidance. These are available in the dedicated section on our website here. The Scottish Volleyball team will be able to help with any questions, confusion, or concerns.