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THIS NEEDS TO BE UPDATED IN EARLY AUGUST...
SCOTLAND
Outdoor dancing is going on now. Scotland moves to Level 0 on July 19 - which means 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors, with no distancing requirements. But only 10 people from four households can meet in a public indoor space.
Face masks will still be mandatory for the time being – possibly until Christmas.
Most legal restrictions to be scrapped from August 9, with Scottish Government moving to “Beyond Level 0” guidance. Announcement expected on August 3.
From Scottish Government – Covid-19 sport and leisure facilities
Our Strategic Framework update sets out what a move beyond Level 0 may look like. We will ensure that our information is clear and accessible as we enter a period where people need to make personal judgements, rather than rules set by government.
This means everyone playing their part by:
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maintaining good hand hygiene
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practising respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
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wearing face coverings
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ensuring there is good ventilation – open windows when indoors
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continuing to engage with Test and Protect and self-isolate when symptomatic or have tested positive
A move beyond Level 0 will be conditional on all adults over 40 protected with two doses of the vaccination and a review of the epidemic being carried out ahead of the date for that move.
We have published information about the protection levels which is relevant for facilities:
ENGLAND
From International Dance Teachers’ Association...
Dance groups should review their risk assessment and COVID policy, as well as contacting their local authority health departments for advice and guidance.
CURRENT ADVICE IN SCOTLAND
From RSCDS - Level 0 guidelines
Rules and regulations are different in each country. Scottish Country Dancing is classified as an “organised contact sport” when it comes to Covid-19 guidance from the Scottish Government. As the national governing body for Scottish Country Dancing, the RSCDS receives regular updates and guidance on the return to sport and physical activity from sportscotland.
Here is sportscotland’s latest guidance for Scottish Branches of the RSCDS.
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Before any dancing, it is the responsibility of each Branch Committee to appoint a responsible person(s) as the COVID Officer. This person will act as the point of contact on all things related to the COVID-19 regulations. The Branch COVID Officer should complete the e-learning module which has been created by sportscotland to support those taking on the role. The Branch COVID Officer must also ensure that full risk assessments are in place before any dancing.
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Branches must check with their insurance company that valid insurance cover is in place.
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Branches must check with their venues for specific regulations on procedures and the numbers they can accommodate. This information, which may include ventilation and hygiene requirements, should be shared with teachers and musicians.
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It is important for Branches to ensure that they have up-to-date contact details for all dancers, teachers and musicians. The COVID regulations can change at short notice, which might mean the cancellation of a class or dance. The COVID Officer should put in place clear procedures for quickly contacting teachers and dancers in an evolving situation.
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At every class and event, everyone must sign an attendance register for contact tracing purposes.
Some further thoughts for Branch Committees, teachers and dancers
It is up to each person to decide when it is right for them to return safely to dancing, in line with their local and national regulations.
Dancers should also think about their fitness before attending classes or a dance. There are lots of RSCDS online classes available for tips on how best to warm up.
Teachers might consider a gradual build-up to dancing in the first few classes, including additional warm-up activities and perhaps fewer dances, interspersed with some social time.
Those organising Branch classes and dances might suggest to dancers that they bring their own hand sanitiser, water and refreshments. Where hot drinks are provided, bringing their own mug would be advisable.
Other things for branches to consider
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Have you seen the guidance issued by your national/regional/local government/administration with respect to activities such as Scottish Country Dancing?
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Have you talked to your insurance provider about potential change to your policy/cover on its part and on yours?
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Have you talked to your venue(s) about their availability and any change to the obligations of use? There may be new hygiene guidance to follow, limitation of numbers, contact tracing requirements, cost variation to cover additional services etc
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Have you talked to your teachers/leaders?
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Have you talked to your musicians?
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Have you communicated/talked with your members?
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Has your organising group/committee met to plan for the return to dancing - if they cannot meet then it will be virtually impossible to return to some form of dancing?
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Have you thought about providing guidance for your members of what physical activities could be undertaken to help them prepare physically for the return to dancing - consideration given to balance, stamina, flexibility, strength, mobility, endurance?
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Have you thought about who will be coming to dance - people who have danced before returning and/or new potential dancers to replace non-returners? Should there be an initial focus on returning dancers establishing the activities before new dancers are introduced?
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How will you facilitate people coming back together in larger non-household groups? Would social only activities followed by social activities with some dancing followed by the gradual introduction of more dance elements taking place over time be a consideration?
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What guidance would your group give its teachers/leaders with respect to class content?
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As a teacher/leader what would you be expecting of your dancers?
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As a dancer what would you be expecting of your teacher/leader?
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Have you considered the style of dancing to be used, especially in initial sessions - ceilidh dances, walked dances (quadrilles?), folk dances, old time dances etc?
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Have you thought about how to attract new dancers (either existing dancers not involved with you or those new to dancing) to your group?
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Have you conducted a risk assessment for the activity you propose to undertake? - someone, no-doubt will ask if one has been undertaken.
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Have you thought about how you will maintain records that would be suitable to facilitate contact tracing if required?
