Wallsend Harriers Covid-19 Guidance – Updated 29 Mar 2021

Everything you need to know to keep safe and keep running during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Keeping fit and active is one of the best defences against Covid-19 both physically and mentally. “People need people” and Wallsend Harriers wants to encourage members to stay fit and healthy and keep each other safe whilst adhering to the simple rules we have outlined.

Please read on for full rules and FAQs.

Summary of March 2021 changes:

All club group activity is resumed.

Formal organised outdoor athletics & running activity that is Covid-secure can take place for both
children and adults (no covid group size limits).

Outdoor intra club competition can take place (without a license).

The Rules

  1. Groups of a maximum of 12 athletes to one coach (12:1) or 6 athletes without a coach are allowed to meet and run together as long as rules 2 and 3 are adhered to at all times.
  2. When running athletes must maintain 5 metres distance between them and remain in single file at all times. Please note the EA guidance states a 2m gap but we strongly feel that a 5m gap is safer. Watch this video.
  3. When not running athletes, must maintain a distance of 2 metres between each other and the public at all times.
  4. Athletes must not spit or blow their nose out at any time.
  5. Athletes must wash their hands before and after sessions and avoid touching their face during sessions.
  6. Running in groups should take place away from the general public and areas the general public will be using wherever possible.

You must stay at home if:

  • You have symptoms of (temperature, cough, loss of smell and taste) or have tested positive for Covid-19.  You must stay at home for 10 days.
  • Someone in your household has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19.  You must stay at home for 10 days.
  • You are awaiting test results for Covid-19.
  • You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and you have been alerted by track and trace.


Objectives

  • To protect all participants AND members of the public against transmission of the Coronavirus
  • To uphold and protect the reputation of Wallsend Harriers & AC

FAQs

What are these rules based upon?

These rules are in line with the and government guidelines and England Athletics guidance.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.englandathletics.org/guidanceupdate

I have a medical condition, what about my safety?

If you have received a shielding letter or have been advised by your GP to shield for a medical condition, you should continue to follow this advice. Currently if shielding you are allowed to leave the house for exercise or to meet one person not from your household outside, maintaining social distancing (2 metres) at all times.

If you are not shielding but have a medical condition we recommend you inform your coach as and when coached sessions recommence.

How will this be reviewed and updated?

We have appointed Covid-19 co-ordinators to regularly review and update guidance and facilitate implementation of both government guidelines and England Athletics guidelines to ensure the safety of all club members.

I’m a runner and would like to meet up with others to run, what should I do?

Outside of club activity we recommend members still follow the guidelines above, to protect themselves, each other and the reputation of our club.

What is a COVID secure environment?

A club session with a coach in which suitable risk assessments have been put in place by a COVID officer.  More detailed information can be found here.