Allow participation in some outdoor, mostly solitary sports.

Allow some mostly solitary, outdoor sports to go ahead. Sports where social distancing is easily achieved. For example, golf, fishing, sailing, kayaking, hill walking. If social distancing is not possible, then participantion could be limited to the family ‘bubble’. This would do wonders for people’s mental health!

Why the contribution is important

1. Good for mental health
2. Good for physical health
3. Gets people out into the fresh air
4. Allows a bit more freedom in a way that, if done carefully, should not increase the risk of virus transmission.

by Duvessa103 on May 05, 2020 at 04:36PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 194 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Tonyretals May 05, 2020 at 16:41

    I think this idea definitely merits further investigation, as the original poster says a lot of these activities can be accomplished with appropriate social distancing and would be very good for mental health.

  • Posted by scottmcmartin May 05, 2020 at 16:44

    Mental Health and lack of general exercise could have a last and long term affect on peoples health and well being for decades if easing of the 'outside' activity is not changed soon. For instance, everyone and literally their dog are using Golf Courses as their private play grounds. Yet golfers are not allowed to use the course that they have paid a membership for.

    Allow a saw an initial 5km as the crow flies, distance on home to course. Members only, with increased tee-times. No opening of Clubhouse/Locker rooms. All of these measures were put in place by golf clubs pre lock-down. Increase the travel distance in phases. This is what Ireland is doing.

  • Posted by ljk84 May 05, 2020 at 16:46

    absolutely agree with above comments

  • Posted by JaneL May 05, 2020 at 16:46

    Agree with the above.

  • Posted by lindyloo May 05, 2020 at 16:49

    We are in this lockdown to protect our physical health but no one seems to care about our mental health. At the risk of sounding like my mum fresh air and exercise is the best medicine there is.

  • Posted by rst May 05, 2020 at 16:52

    As defined by solitary sports or when two or more people can safely maintain physical distance.This would allow people to resume activities and encourage others to take up an activity.

  • Posted by spittalhill May 05, 2020 at 16:54

    I agree with the above, but it would be important that clubhouses remain closed. I also feel that tennis could be added to the list of outdoor sports, but doubles limited to family groups.

  • Posted by Hannahmabob May 05, 2020 at 16:57

    I do agree mostly. I'd be careful of water sports though and sailing we wouldn't want to risk the lives of volunteers such the RNLI and coast guard. So maybe start with the lowest risk sports and recreation and see how that goes.

  • Posted by fionajohn May 05, 2020 at 16:57

    in rural areas allow a bit more freedom
    i can go 2 miles from my home passing 3 housrs and spend an afternoon fishing seeing and being in contact with no-one this also can apply to single person boats.i live in shetland and this can apply to a lot of people

  • Posted by Phoebe20 May 05, 2020 at 16:57

    This seems very feasible but needs very clear instruction on distance travelled and crowds when you get there. Access to facilities such as toilets, food and drink etc would need to be considered as well. Risk that many people will drive to beaches or have large queues of climbers on Ben Nevis such as we saw at Snowdonia just before lockdown.

  • Posted by Dereklangfield May 05, 2020 at 16:58

    Totally support this. It should be quite easy to set out the “rules” to enable a very large % of the population it participate safely in their chosen outdoor sport. I recognise that it will lead to people having to drive/travel out with their city/town and that this may need to be controlled in some way. Remember most people obey the rules, it’s always a small senseless minority who don’t.

  • Posted by scotdavid63 May 05, 2020 at 17:00

    Hillwalking is one where there are typically large distances between individuals unless you include Ben Lomond and other popular hills. The way to deal with those are to keep the car park closed or limited. That would work for Linn of Dee and Ben Lawers, also Glen Coe, car parks (and others).
    In essence, trying a one size fits all is tricky. However, need to get some business up and running in the Highlands so maybe only let people go up who have (and can prove) hotel bookings, no camper vans (maybe until later in the summer).

  • Posted by craigd May 05, 2020 at 17:06

    Allowing outdoor activities which can be enjoyed while social distancing would be hugely beneficial to all who can take advantage.
    Golf & fishing I would suggest are two activities that can with precautions be carried out without breaking Social Distancing guidelines

  • Posted by Rosie May 05, 2020 at 17:07

    Totally agree golf courses should be allowed to open so long as club houses remain shut and they socially distance. It would do a lot to help improve mental wellbeing and as a form of exercise, is no worse than people going for their daily walk.

  • Posted by OwenVickers May 05, 2020 at 17:14

    Fully agree. Should be an obvious activity to permit. Restrictions which are disproportionate to their benefit are wrong and should be moved, especially those that remove personal liberty on such a scale.

  • Posted by ASR May 05, 2020 at 17:18

    I think solitary sports which can take place within 30minute walk or 5 minute drive of home should be permitted especially for those who have paid memberships such as golf or fishing this has all above benefits and could really help ease the pressure for some households. I believe communal facilities should remain closed for now

  • Posted by JoannaMac May 05, 2020 at 17:22

    Agree with comments posted above

  • Posted by Selkie May 05, 2020 at 17:24

     One of the points against solitary/outdoor sports is very valid. People have accidents all the time, whether hillwalking and possibly getting into an accident that requires mountain rescue and hospitalisation, watersports that could mean a coastguard call out etc etc. These all use up resources that are badly needed elsewhere. Yes it is entirely possible that while participating in these activities it could all go fine and no one would need assistance, but what if it's this one time that you do? What if you end up in an already resource stretched hospital after having been in close contact with rescue professionals, paramedics, A&E staff, Xray, nurses, doctors etc? Bear in mind the cost of hospitalisation comes in at around £2000 - £3000. Is it worth it just so people can play sports? I think this needs thought about quite deeply.

  • Posted by ICH May 05, 2020 at 17:25

    Allow members to use there golf courses to play in bounce games,. Playing as a single player or with one other player
    without access to facilities would be very low risk if some very basic common sense protocols were put in place. Such as around keeping a safe distance and eliminating contact points.

    Certainly much lower risk than buying a pint of milk......

  • Posted by Hudsone728 May 05, 2020 at 17:26

    I would support the idea of outside exercises especially when they have already been shown to benefit overall well-being. A word of caution to include would be if the location of this exercise/activity was remote so that if anyone got into difficulty, it may add a burden to rescue or aid services. We could reasonably be expected to use our common sense for that judgement though

  • Posted by Balford May 05, 2020 at 17:27

    Absolutely agree. Game fishing on highland rivers especially is a prime candidate - anglers naturally physically separate along river beats. Anglers Trust (UK) prepared a report and sent a letter to UK Government with a "how to" in phases - very responsible. FMS and FishPal are lobbying Scottish Government ministers but have heard nothing back yet.

  • Posted by Atg01 May 05, 2020 at 17:28

    I agree with the post by Duvessa103 and others about outside activities and the benefits this can have on our mental health. We need some hope and positive ideas rather than the negative down beat comments made on an almost daily basis. Certain activities are clearly possible and comply with social distancing

  • Posted by MadeinGlasgow May 05, 2020 at 17:37

    Medical evidence would seem to indicate that outdoor activities reduce the potential for transmission, assuming social distancing is maintained.
    Any outdoor activity that does not require physical contact and can be enjoyed by a maximum of two participants who can easily maintain 2m distance, surely has to be considered as minimal risk.
    As a member of a golf club I feel the benefits of allowing clubs to reopen courses, and only the course, as per R&A & Scottish Golf Union restrictions would be hugely beneficial, not only to golfers but golf clubs in general and Scotland as a country.
     Membership numbers are in decline, existing members already questioning the wisdom of renewing membership for an activity they are currently unable to participate in.
    The daily destruction of many years of hard work in maintaining a golf course, that has come about by virtue of the fact that the fairways are devoid of golfers, and are now in daily use by, cyclists, skateboarders, picnicking families on greens that have taken years to cultivate.
    If courses are ruined, membership falls, if membership falls, courses close.
    A future Scotland without golf! The vast majority of golf tourists come to play the many wonderful courses in Scotland, not only the elite courses on the Pro circuit.

  • Posted by AnthonyButterworth May 05, 2020 at 17:38

    Such as fishing, bowling and golf- non contact sports outdoors where agreed precautions have been taken should be allowed. For golf and bowling, carry out catering should be allowed but no indoor access

  • Posted by Absport May 05, 2020 at 17:50

    Angling by its very nature has social distancing in place
    The only problem is the view we shouldn’t travel so a maximum distance could be imposed so small remote communities are not affected

  • Posted by Louisasneezer May 05, 2020 at 17:56

    Singles tennis should be permitted to restart.

  • Posted by Fifer72 May 05, 2020 at 18:20

    Absolutely, there are thousands of people who regularly go into the outdoors who would create zero risk if they were 'allowed' to do so again. Accept that MRTs have stood down for the duration and off we go. Zero risk and nobody can tell me different. I've watched the briefing today and I would advise the Scotttish government to seriously consider starting to lift this lockdown.
    We're getting restless, you can either manage our transition back to normality or we'll do it for you.

  • Posted by Nairnbeach May 05, 2020 at 19:28

    Social distancing still needs to be maintained and there should still be defined distances that people can travel/drive to get to their outdoor activity.

  • Posted by sbecker May 05, 2020 at 19:32

    I couldn't agree more. Allowing people to access the outdoors, while social distancing, offers huge benefits to mental health with only a minimal risk of increased virus transmission. In practice allowing people who live in cities to travel further and access outdoor spaces, increases their ability to actually socially distance effectively. Where I live local outdoor spaces are now regularly crowded with people exercising which makes effective social distancing extremely difficult. The ability to travel further and enjoy some outdoor activity would definitely make even strict adherence to social distancing much more manageable the rest of the time.

    To decide how and when to remove a given restriction you need to look at why that particular restriction was enforced to begin with. I think it's important here to distinguish between restrictions which were put in place because they directly impact the transmission of the virus, like social distancing and other restrictions that were aimed at reducing any additional demand for the NHS.
    To me continued social distancing seems completely justified given the rate of infection in the population is still high and the current lack of treatment or a vaccine.

    But other measures like restrictions on travel and guidance against outdoor activity were deemed necessary based on the fear that the NHS would be imminently and catastrophically overrun by Covid-19 patients. So now that we are past the peak and hospitals have fortunately not been catastrophically overrun as initially feared, restrictions on travel and outdoor access enacted in response to that fear, should now be lifted.

    Accessing outdoor spaces is good for mental health and makes social distancing guidance easy to follow. Continuing to unnecessarily restrict access because of a perceived threat that never materialised can no longer be justified.

  • Posted by GJTorrie May 05, 2020 at 20:56

    I agree that golf could be played as golfers maintain social distancing without realising it. Times can be booked and paid for online parking spaces blocked off and only a starter safely enclosed in a starters box. Likewise singles tennis, fishing or crown green bowls. All of these are low risk activities. After all I see plenty of people cycling and horse riding it these people can continue with their sporting activities why not others. A line would need to drawn regarding more at risk activities such as sailing or climbing but in general this should e a yes.

  • Posted by stu72 May 05, 2020 at 22:53

    The draw of angling has always been a way for individual young and old people to relax in the outdoors. Past studies have shown how angling can positively contribute to individuals mental health and physical wellbeing. Angling should be encouraged as should other low risk outdoor activities such as golf.
    I hope the government will relax the current restrictions around outdoor activities in the next couple of weeks.

  • Posted by Elgintennisclub May 06, 2020 at 07:55

    Agreed. And I reiterate that tennis should be added to this list. Certain locations around the globe have safely kept Tennis facilities open throughout the pandemic (with additional controls in place). We could learn from those countries and equip our Clubs to reopen for public bookings (many tennis clubs like Elgin have courts available for non-members to book all year round). Beginners lessons in small and controlled groups could be provided.
    As with other progressive steps in managing the pandemic, rural, quieter locations should be used as trial cases. Morayshire would be an excellent test case as we currently have few cases and a low infection rate. I’m certain our local sports clubs and associations would be delighted to assist the Scottish Government with any trials or consultations.

  • Posted by GeoffDuke May 06, 2020 at 13:11

    I would not restrict this to sports as there are some like myself who would like to work on my cars, but do not have facilities at my home to do this.

  • Posted by MichaelG May 06, 2020 at 13:51

    While high-risk activities (rock climbing) could create an extra strain on the emergency services due to the inevitable accidents, low-risk outdoor activities where social distancing is easily observed should be permitted.
    However, people should still be encouraged to stay local to their area, or popular areas will become overcrowded and effective distancing will be difficult.

  • Posted by YMCA May 06, 2020 at 14:51

    Open the outdoors get people healthy again. Most people in Scotland live for the summer it’s been a very long and wet winter.

  • Posted by libbydale May 06, 2020 at 14:56

    Very senible and reasoned comments for opening up low risk outdoor activity. Relatively easy to maintain sicial distancing. I think it worth considering allowing travel up to say 30min to open spaces as the local footpaths and parks are busier than i have ever known and it would be easier to social distance if we all spreadout.

  • Posted by jrob May 06, 2020 at 15:13

    Completely agree.

  • Posted by Stuarty May 06, 2020 at 16:21

    Why the government has restricted outdoor "safe " activities like golf and fishing is beyond me. The risks are minimal .
    These sports should be restarted immediately.

  • Posted by lizcarey78 May 06, 2020 at 18:41

    I enjoy wild swimming and would love to get back out in the water. I think outdoor exercise, where social distancing is possible, would be really beneficial for people's mental wellbeing. I would need to drive a little further from my home, so this would obviously have to be a consideration aswell I suppose.

  • Posted by jrob May 06, 2020 at 20:55

    Completely agree.

  • Posted by paulineT May 06, 2020 at 22:52

    I agree, it seems nonsensical to ban self distancing outdoor activities. Allowing a short journey of upto 30 minute to get to a site would relieve pressure on local footpaths.

  • Posted by SJM May 06, 2020 at 23:33

    I agree that tennis can be played allowing for social distancing - both singles and doubles and not restricted to family groups.

  • Posted by Colin87 May 07, 2020 at 05:48

    Agreed

  • Posted by CharlottePlayfair May 07, 2020 at 06:11

    I would support this close to home but I do think there also needs to be an outdoor access campaign to support it. I live remotely and there have been more issues with irresponsible access and lost walkers than we have ever had. So I would like to see some money put into government training on outdoor skills and how to behave in rural areas.

  • Posted by Kookaburra71 May 07, 2020 at 07:00

    Sailing is definitely a sport that could easily manage social distancing as most are on the water on their own or with another member of the household. It is getting to the stage where yes we are losing precious loved ones to this horrible virus but think about the number of people we are going to lose through suicide who would not be remembered after this is over it is becoming a real threat as more and more people are getting desperate because of lack of money or their mental health is so low with worry they feel its the only way out. These restrictions do need to be lightened not scrapped otherwise we will lose more loved ones to something worse.

  • Posted by aloneinthehills May 07, 2020 at 09:25

    Completely agree

  • Posted by Ossian May 07, 2020 at 10:42

    Exercise is so important for mental and physical health. I cannot see the issue with going hill walking, in fact I think there are just many negatives of people not going hill walking (inactivity, mental health issues etc). Of course some many want to stick to the current system if at risk but for the rest of us going hill walking would provide major benefits.

  • Posted by SadieMich May 07, 2020 at 11:42

    I agree. Also allowing a meet up with one other person not in your household where you can easily maintain social distancing while exercising. This will help those living alone to have a bit of company and exercise is good for both mental and physical health

  • Posted by JohnA May 07, 2020 at 13:19

    Outdoor activities (such as hiking) with only members of your household should not increase the transmission rate greatly. You could trial this by putting a restriction on how far you are allowed to travel to access the outdoor space in the first instance and if it goes ok, widen the travel restriction.

    I think the wellbeing benefits would be great and the transmission downsides small.

    There is a concern of Mountain Rescue and similar services being under more pressure if this is allowed. You could add some rules that would mitigate this, for example (as with everything in this lockdown, these are mostly self-policed anyway):

    - Some guidance that only those with experience should be going outside.
    - Not allowing it on days with a poor weather forecast.
    - Having a time limit on how long you can go outdoors for.
    - Requiring all outdoor activities (hikes etc.) to start before a certain time of day.
    - Limiting access to beauty spots and heavily trafficked trails perhaps by using permits available on a website.

  • Posted by aloneinthehills May 07, 2020 at 14:06

    Hillwalking, wild camping, fishing, mountain biking, bush crafting, canoeing, kayaking etc can ALL be carried out in accordance with social distancing advice. Open the countryside. Allow people to recuperate from the lockdown by taking exercise and finding peace in the countryside. We have the most sparsely populated land in the UK. Let us use it for our future health and wellbeing.

  • Posted by SandyJ May 07, 2020 at 18:59

    Outdoor activities can and should take place providing that appropriate social distancing measures are observed. Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, hillwalking, fishing, mountain biking can all be solo activities as well as practised within family groups.

    Government advice should remind participants of safety, but participants should be responsible for their own safety as they always have been. Restrictions because of weather forecasts, time of day, time limits shouldn't apply, nor should limited access. It should be about giving people more space!

  • Posted by DRW May 08, 2020 at 09:15

    Fully agree

  • Posted by Bigshiny May 08, 2020 at 09:21

    We have the Outdoors Access code and Right to Roam in Scotland- where we trust our land users to responsibly use and take care of our wildlife areas.

    This trust should be extended, in these times, to include social distancing measures to be practised by those who wish to return to the mountains and rivers of our country.

    This will encourage exercise for the masses who have been stuck inside, increase appreciation for our natural areas, and potentially bring revenue back to rural communities who rely on tourism - who have struggled due to the absolute shut down of people travelling north during this important season.

  • Posted by Johnh May 08, 2020 at 09:42

    These measures would barely increase the R value yet would immeasurably improve many people's lives. I'd rather we had more draconian other measures (eg in take aways, frequency of shopping trips) in order to permit these activities within a package of measures keeping R below 1. There are some tiny risks associated with increased traffic and mountain rescue but these are surely outweighed by societal benefit.

  • Posted by markcou May 08, 2020 at 09:43

    Completely agree with this concept. Basically all non team activity could be permitted provided social distancing can be achieved. Club rooms could be opened if distancing could be achieved, maybe by one way routes?. Should not be limited to sports, hobbies could also be allowed.

    Non teams would be limited to maybe max of 4 people 2M apart and would not have to use public transport to get there.

  • Posted by blunderman May 08, 2020 at 09:44

    On the face of it - a positive evolution. However how does Scotland manage the consequentials and divert scarce resources to that management? I'm afraid that there will be some who turn the "exercise" into a day trip with transport implications, group meets, picnicking and close interaction with (non family) others. It doesn't take many taking liberties to undo the good work done so far. There are already instances when the CLEAR stay at home message is met with a "someone else can do it, I'm not" I think that there is a substantial risk this relaxation would quickly become unable to be policed.

  • Posted by paulagnew May 08, 2020 at 10:09

    agree, access to the outdoors is both beneficial to mental and physical well being

  • Posted by dblair May 08, 2020 at 10:57

    I agree, but we need to consider mountain rescue/ the coastguard. Activities must be at the person’s own risk. If you get in trouble, you need to be able and willing to self-rescue, or accept the consequences.

  • Posted by TempusFugit May 08, 2020 at 11:32

    Consider easing a the restrictions on local self distanced travel withing the home county and allow outdoor activities like Fishing, golf; walking; dog walking etc to resume on a fair and even playing field under self distancing rules which are now known to the nation. Clubs in particular are voluntary non-profit organisations with members who are currently unable, despite their own risk assessments which show local travel and car parking arrangements under social distancing rules to be low risk compared to the weekly shop at the supermarket can easily be accommodated. The one size fits all for London, Edinburgh, major cities and care homes clearly does not work for rural communities, neither does it take into consideration the proven physical and mental health benefits derived from outdoor activities nor the longer term impacts from latent health on the NHS nor on the social unrest which could follow without some relief.

  • Posted by experienceecosse May 08, 2020 at 12:10

    Being outside is beneficial for both mental and physical health- that is given. The key to stopping the spread of COVID 19 seems to be physical distancing not staying inside. As the weather improves, it seems preferable to get people moving outside for both recreation and exercise purposes - within reason. I completely agree that we don't want lines of cars at beauty spots or crowded car parks. There must be a way that car parks can be opened to give limited access. As a retired person I would prefer to use these places during the week anyway when outdoor areas tend to be less crowded. Maybe let workers, families etc use them at weekends?
    Local parks and walks are now so overcrowded and if we are told that exercise can take place twice a day, I fear that physical distancing will become even more difficult than it already is without driving to a more distant but still local outdoor space.

  • Posted by Wallace May 08, 2020 at 13:34

    I strongly support allowing outdoor activities such as hillwalking which can be done in family groups and easily achieve social distancing. It does not make sense that you can’t walk in the hills but you can queue with dozens of people at B&Q. People have to keep within their abilities and make their own decisions about risks. The hospitals do have capacity to cope with any unfortunate accidents. People could be asked to carry their face mask and gloves with them in the event of an accident and needing assistance to reduce risks further. We should be encouraging people to have a day in the countryside for exercise and good mental wellbeing, subject to social distancing. Most people are responsible and law abiding and would not unnecessarily take risks.

  • Posted by MarcoC May 08, 2020 at 15:48

    100% agree with this suggestion and most of the responses. As an outdoor enthusiast my mental health is horrendous just now. What is worse for the NHS? People dying of covid or the mental health crisis that is going to follow? The current restrictions are causing hostility in the place I live because it's considered a beauty spot and local people have taken it upon themselves to play bouncer out of fear when the risk is relatively low when compared to their trip to the shops. Your ability to access a place to heal and nuture your mental health should not be determined by your ability to buy property in that area and I am proud that Scotland has such legislation to that effect. My local area is busier than I've ever seen it. Surely it is safer to go somewhere where I can spend 3-4 days in the isolated hills where I touch nothing and don't see another person? I appreciate the stand that accidents can happen in the hills even to the most experienced and I've seen it happen myself but I've seen more people recently slicing fingers when cooking or injuring themselves in DIY activities. The advice to self isolate if you show symptoms would reduce the risk of these activities resuming even further. Travelling to get to these places is also likely to be very low risk if done in a private car separating households.

  • Posted by kedra May 08, 2020 at 16:34

    This is a sensible and proportionate suggestion. The downside risks are minimal, individual health and quality of life matter too.

    Traveling to another area is no more risky given the virus is already being taken seriously in all parts of the country.

    Hillwalking, paragliding, mountain biking, angling, climbing outdoors, shooting, driving for pleasure, visiting beauty spots, motorcycling to the beach. None of these incur an increased risk of viral spread and it's sad to see people fined for this like motorcyclists in England were. It undermines the credibility of lockdown if governments make scientifically unjustifiable decisions to restrict personal freedoms with concerns about a small increase in A&E admissions from car crashes or mountain rescue call outs etc.

    It's fantastic to see people out on their bikes and running. This is an opportunity for people to create healthy leisure habits. We have some of the worst alcoholism, drug use and obesity in Scotland and this could hit the NHS hard once Covid fizzles out and cost us all. The current collective house arrest perpetuates unhealthy habits.

    It's easy for me in Inverness to relax in garden or buzz around on my bike enjoying lockdown. I feel really sorry for those in our larger cities who have been criticised for visiting the local park by car when they may have been safely distancing themselves and avoiding public transport for good reason. These are also the people in densely populated areas that you don't want to breach the lockdown so please make it easier on them by giving them some freedom back.

    Simply, if people touch something they gel their hands, they keep 2m apart to avoid proximity.

    who cares if they have a picnic in the park, go for 2 or 3 runs or walks a day, wander up a munro, go kayaking off the west coast etc etc.

    We don't have to sacrifice quality of life to restrict viral spread. They aren't mutually exclusive.

  • Posted by kedra May 08, 2020 at 16:44

     Some comments warn that individuals may flout lockdown by making a day trip of it or meeting up with friends on the hills. Whether you travel half an hour to walk for 20 minutes or drive 3 hours for a 6 hour hike shouldn't matter, the cross infection control measures you take will be the same and present a very low risk of viral spread.

    Individuals are already flouting lockdown rules to have dinner parties, video gaming sessions, visit lovers, open their pubs secretly for regulars etc. If people decide to break the rules then they are doing so of their own volition because they don't respect them. Maybe they consider them disproportionate?

     It's just as easy currently to invite a few friends over and sneak them in the back door or meet them in the local park as it is to organise a hillwalking meet up so I don't think that's a fair argument against allowing more personal freedom.

  • Posted by Chimp May 08, 2020 at 17:13

    I believe the R number for the general population is significantly below 1, but is being inflated by care home figures where most new cases seem to be occurring. Lockdown care homes as tight as a drum, and allow the rest of us some respite from the unnecessarily draconian lockdown measures. I live in Lothian where only around 2000 cases have been reported in total from a population of almost 1 million (source: BBC News website). How many patients have been admitted to the Louisa Jordan??? Biggest risk of anyone outside of a care home or hospital catching Covid is in the supermarket! Get some perspective and let us out to participate in activities where we can maintain social distancing. Sweden had no lockdown at all and have far fewer cases than UK.

  • Posted by Simon756 May 08, 2020 at 21:02

    Allowing individuals to travel to the hills without fear if retribution from the local.population to conduct exercise through hillealking, fishing etc. In my opinion these are relatively isolation friendly. Admittedly, I understand there could be further burdens to the emergency services and MR Teams.

  • Posted by Njessop May 08, 2020 at 21:19

    What a country suppprts during lock down say a lot about its values. In Australia and Hawaii, surfing and access to the sea has been left open throughout the lock downs, while in the UK beaches are closed but off licences are classified as essential services. The RNLI and Mountain Rescue are manned by volunteers who donate their time because they want to support safe use of our open spaces and natural resources. They very rarely criticise people who get in trouble but do spend a lot of time educating people on how to be safe. We should encourage the use of our outdoors, and not dismiss those who want to spend time on their own searching for a bit of nature and fresh air as reckless covidiots.

  • Posted by Rachel_T1502 May 08, 2020 at 22:35

    Definitely, think there needs to be more consideration of the significant long-term benefits of outdoor activities for mental health on a population scale when weighing up lockdown restrictions when it involves very low risk activities

  • Posted by Corab May 09, 2020 at 10:33

    Allowing people on hills would reduce density of people in local parks, reduce overall transmission rate. Social distancing key. Limit activity to individual/family/bubble. Once on hills social distancing should be easier to achieve. Limit 30 sec/group at summit (trig point/cairn), then move 3m away. Ask Mountain Rescue teams what two requirements ( for equipment or activity or planned route) would reduce number of call-outs by 50-80% in summer months.

  • Posted by FedPezz May 09, 2020 at 13:02

    Please, allow people to go solo fishing, especially in the rivers. We can fish for hours without seeing anybody, completely alone.

  • Posted by Pegger May 09, 2020 at 13:36

    Agree with allowing a wider range of outdoor activities where distancing can be maintained. Besides making a lot of other people happier, this would open up the options for anyone with lower limb mobility issues (e.g. a knee/ankle injury or longer term impairments) who cannot walk, run or cycle.

  • Posted by Forreslass May 09, 2020 at 15:33

    Golf , fishing , solitary sport must restart. Good for well-being

  • Posted by Edwold May 09, 2020 at 22:39

    Delaying this relaxation cannot be justified in terms of risk. People are tired of blanket bans it's not good risk management.

  • Posted by Kinley May 10, 2020 at 10:05

    The medium and long term impact on mental and physical well being of restricting freedom to partake in outdoor pursuits needs to be taken into account when considering extension of restrictions.

    I'm quite sure that the risk assessment for a great many solitary outdoor pursuits will indicate that they are very low risk in terms of viral transmission and I would strongly urge the Government to relax restrictions in this regard.

  • Posted by Scott_Doig May 10, 2020 at 14:08

    I am in absolute agreement with allowing outdoor activities to be permitted again, in particular angling. Angling for most us a solitary sport with little or no contact with others. To see non essential places such as B and Q having permission to reopen and deemed as safe and solitary sports such as angling not permitted is nothing less than ridiculous.

  • Posted by kpm321 May 10, 2020 at 17:14

    Yes, definitely.

  • Posted by Invicta May 10, 2020 at 20:17

    This is by far the most important aspect of lockdown that should be eased. Hillwalkers, runners, cyclists, kayakers, anglers etc should be able to pursue their activity wherever and for as long as they wish, either solo or in their family groups, so long as they don't meet up with others. Massive benefits to their own physical and mental health; also benefits to the mental health of anyone in their household who no longer has to put up with their cabin fever.

  • Posted by Stargazer1960 May 11, 2020 at 15:06

    Risk assessment and risk management plan should be sufficient to give appropriate guidance for this group of out door activities.
    Risk increases if equipment is shared or borrowed. Also if involving travel then isolation from local communities will need to be respected.

  • Posted by GMPotts May 11, 2020 at 16:14

    Fishing -One of the largest participation sports in the UK and a significant contributor to Scotland's economy- especially the rural economy. This is a sport where social distancing is not only easily achieved - it is a common preference amongst many regular anglers. It is is an important source of outdoor activity and contributes to the physical and mental well being of the participants - and often also that of their spouses too. Low levels of Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) have been identified as a contributory factor in poor Covid 19 outcomes. A day by the water ensures that exposure to the higher levels of natural light experienced and boosts vitamin D levels. Beyond the individual considerations their is a much wider implication for society in continuing to restrict this popular activity. The age profile of many Angling Clubs is in the older age bracket the importance of the social and sporting pursuit to this age group is significant. It helps keep up their activity levels, which greatly assists in keeping the participants as active members of society, so reducing the pressure on health services and facilitating the many useful volunteering roles taken on by the older generations. House bound anglers in their 80's and indeed 90's are in danger of becoming permanently so under these continuing restrictions. Think on.

  • Posted by paulc May 11, 2020 at 19:15

    The sooner the better. There is no evidence that the virus transmits outdoors if people remain socially distanced.

  • Posted by Hamsterpus May 11, 2020 at 19:42

    England has taken the lead. Scotland will have to follow. But it looks like it will be kicking and screaming.

  • Posted by Louise88 May 11, 2020 at 20:24

    Agreed, add tennis

  • Posted by IMcK May 11, 2020 at 20:39

    I absolutely agree. We need to identify activities that have huge quality of life benefits relative to the low risks of transmitting the virus. Many outdoor sports are fantastic options.
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