News

Lockdown changes in Scotland and Leicester

Thursday, 02 July 2020

The government announced on Monday 29 June that, as of today, a zone incorporating Leicester city and a number of its adjoining suburbs are under increased ‘local lockdown’ restrictions. Non-essential shops are closed and residents are being asked to make essential journeys only. In addition, the planned lockdown easing due to come into effect tomorrow across England will not apply within the zone.

For equestrians living in the zone, this means:

• You’re advised to stay at home as much as possible and strictly observe hand-washing, hygiene and two-metre social distancing guidance.
• You can continue to travel to provide care and exercise for your horse, as this would be deemed as essential travel. However, if you are not the primary carer of the horse and have to travel into or out of the localised lockdown zone surrounding Leicester – i.e. cross the boundary – we would encourage you not to do so at this time. 
• You may exercise your horse outdoors with up to five other people, provided that strict social distancing is followed.  
• We are advising that you should not travel your horse during this time unless essential, such as for a welfare reason (vet, farrier).
• Equine professionals (vets, farriers, coaches) are permitted to travel in and out of the zone because this is travel associated with their business. However, they should strictly observe hand-washing, hygiene and two-metre social distancing guidance.
• Any equestrian facilities (competition venues, facility hire, riding schools) within this zone should consult with their local authority, but the current indication is that facilities are not required to close for the time being.

Those living outside the lockdown zone should not travel into the zone to participate in any activity, except on animal welfare grounds.

The local lockdown is expected to be reviewed after a two-week period, but please follow your local news because advice may chance at short notice, with further restrictions put in place.  Further information is also available on the Leicestershire County Council website, including a postcode checker for the areas affected

Scotland

In Scotland, the First Minister announced that the five-mile travel restriction currently in place will be lifted as of tomorrow, with the exception of some post codes in the Dumfries & Galloway region. These are DG 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16 (Scottish control only). Social distancing of two metres will remain in place and face coverings will be mandatory in the retail sector.

For the majority of Scotland, this means that people can now travel wider for activities. However, numbers and social distancing requirements remain unchanged.

A coach or personal trainer should not deliver training to more than two households at any one time, and to more than eight people in total at a time. They can only instruct a maximum of two households per day.

The next review is expected on the 9 July 2020, when numbers who can meet may be increased.

Wales

The next update for Wales is due on 6 July, when it’s anticipated the Welsh government will lift the five-mile travel restriction. Updates can be found here.

Northern Ireland

For those in Northern Ireland, social distancing was relaxed to one metre as of 29 June and the Executive Office has released a timetable of indicative recovery dates. Updates can be found here.