England – From March 8^th 2021

Further to our announcement on 26^th February, (see https://www.bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2722/COVID-19-Regulations-Update-26-2-2021 )

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 have been updated and take effect from Monday 8^th March.
(See https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1374/schedule/3A/2021-03-08 )

Outdoor sportsgrounds and facilities (which includes model flying club sites) remain in the list of business/services that must remain closed. The projected date for re-opening is March 29^th, and will not be subject to the gatherings limits, but should be compliant with guidance issued by national governing bodies, see https://clubsupport.bmfa.uk/6-steps-to-covid-secure

From Monday 8^th March, outdoor recreation (and therefore model aircraft flying) is permitted in public outdoor places, either alone, with members of your household or with one other person. A public outdoor place for the purposes of the regulations is a public outdoor place where no payment is required by any member of the public to access.

BMFA insurance remains valid when flying lawfully.

It is permitted to leave home for voluntary services where it is not possible to do so from home and therefore essential field maintenance can be conducted. This must however be done in a COVID secure manner.

Northern Ireland

The current regulations (in place until 1^st April) prohibit outdoor sport.
see https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Wales

All areas of Wales remain in Alert level 4: all sports facilities must remain closed, outdoor exercise is permitted but must start and finish from home.
See https://gov.wales/leaving-your-home-and-seeing-other-people-alert-level-4#section-58483

Scotland

Most areas of Scotland remain in Level 4: outdoor non-contact sports are permitted for all age groups provided this is within a single household group, or the group contains no more than 2 people from 2 different households. Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards this number.
See https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/