So today is the so-called ‘Freedom Day’, as most restrictions are removed by the UK Government for England, with the undertone of ‘treading carefully’.

Gladly, the National Youth Agency and The Scouts are indeed treading carefully by remaining at Yellow Readiness level, but with a further relaxation of the rules. So as we close down for our summer break, we start to get a picture of what things will look like as we move forward to September.

Our sections are allowed to meet indoors, and outdoors with no limits on numbers. We’re now also able to host residential activities with no limit on group sizes, however there are still restrictions – there is a limit of 6 people per sleeping space (tent or room). COVID Measures such as good hygiene remain in place, and we are recommended to keep lateral flow testing in place immediately prior to departure for residential experiences, throughout the trip and on return – for over 11’s.

Across the board in poorly ventilated locations, social distancing and face covering are expected by The Scouts and are recommended. As you would expect, any requirements from activity providers and facilities are to be followed.

Whilst the Government is putting things in the hands of the common sense of the English Public, Scouts do have a duty of care to all of its members, and so they are recommending the covid-safe practices to remain in place at our meetings, events, activities and residential experiences.

The message is somewhat clear – we’re not out of the woods yet, and by acting responsibly we safeguard all of our members.

Our section leaders will consider this and any additional information prior to return in September, and update their members on the measures that remain to keep everyone safe.