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The risk of contracting Covid-19 from participating in outdoor sports is extremely low, according to medical experts. There were no known cluster outbreaks when sports activities resumed, indicating that the risk is minimal.
As organised sports resume after the third national lockdown, each governing body has developed its own Covid-secure guidelines to mitigate risk and ensure that activities can continue without being forced to shut down again.
Various studies have analyzed the risk factors associated with playing sports, and the consistent message is that the main potential for problems lies in the surrounding activities such as spectating, travel, changing, and socializing, rather than the sports activities themselves.
Professor Mike Weed from Canterbury Christ Church University stated, “From the data we have examined and the work that has been done on back-to-play protocols, the risk of playing outdoor sports is extremely low. The protocols implemented last summer served to prevent cluster outbreaks. There have been no significant examples of cluster outbreaks.”
He further emphasized that the risks mainly arise from factors outside of the actual sports activities, and even in the case of children’s sports, these risks can be mitigated. He argued that the risks associated with grassroots sports are lower than the risks posed by many everyday activities that people engage in.
According to Professor Weed, there are three primary ways of contracting Covid-19: through droplets, surfaces, and aerosols. However, he explains that there is increasing recognition that aerosol transmission is the primary route and is virtually irrelevant outdoors. His research has informed protocols for the return of Parkrun, emphasizing the need to minimize participant density at the start-line and reduce time spent waiting together. He also highlights that once the event begins, participants naturally spread out and face the same direction, further reducing the risk.
Professor James Calder, chairman of the government’s committee on the return of elite sport, also confirmed that there have been no known cases of transmission on the football pitch. Analysis in rugby union and rugby league supports the notion that the virus is not transmitted during contact that may occur during the game, but rather during off-field mixing.
In Scotland, golf and tennis continued even during the third lockdown, demonstrating the confidence in the low risk of outdoor transmission.
Professor Devi Sridhar, an advisor to the Scottish government, stated, “We need restrictions where we know transmission occurs more often and fewer restrictions where it is safer. Outdoor transmission is minimal, especially with social distancing in outdoor sports.”
New Government Initiative Promoting Children’s Activity
The government has launched a nationwide campaign to encourage children to engage in at least one hour of physical activity every day, coinciding with the return of outdoor grassroots sports. Prominent sports stars have joined this initiative, highlighting the numerous health benefits of sports and physical activity.
The Telegraph’s Keep Kids Active campaign successfully advocated for prioritizing children’s sports when easing lockdown restrictions. The government has also committed over £10 million to open up school sports facilities outside of teaching hours.
Children’s activity levels have been severely impacted by the three national lockdowns, with more than half of all children failing to meet the recommended daily average of 60 minutes of physical activity.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden stated, “The long wait is over – I urge everyone to get their trainers on, get outside, and enjoy all the positive benefits sport can bring. We want to see children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and adults 2½ hours a week, to help us recover from this pandemic and build back fitter, healthier, and happier. Sport and physical activity will play a central role in our national recovery, and today marks an important step forward.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for a “Great British summer of sport” and acknowledged the sacrifices made by children over the past year.
Prominent sports figures such as Eoin Morgan, Johanna Konta, Kyle Sinckler, and Serena Guthrie joined the call to get active. Sports facilities including football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, and sailing clubs can now reopen. Organized outdoor team sports can also resume prior to the Easter holiday break.
The Lawn Tennis Association has reported a surge in interest, with new clubs being established and increased bookings for tennis courts. The demand for golf is also high, with courses being fully booked.
However, other sports, such as swimming, face significant challenges. Swim England has warned that without government support, up to 200 swimming facilities could be permanently lost. There is particular concern regarding the impact on children who may miss their statutory school swimming lessons.
Overall, the low risk of outdoor transmission and the implementation of Covid-secure guidelines provide reassurance for the resumption of sports activities. The government’s initiative to promote children’s activity aims to improve physical health and well-being, ensuring a stronger recovery from the pandemic.
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