Date of Issue: 29th June 2021
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care gave a speech on Monday 28th June in the House of Commons on the vaccination programme and confirmed that Monday 19th July remains the date for ending restrictions in England as we move to step 4 of the roadmap.
Sajid Javid said that phenomenal progress is being made with the vaccination programme and as such vaccinations are now open to every adult in the country: 84% of adults have got a jab and 61% of adults have had 2 doses. The vaccination programme remains a significant mitigation factor in each of the ACU sport discipline risk assessments.
This narrowing of the race between the virus and the vaccine led to the governments difficult decision to pause step 4 of the roadmap until 19 July. The government took that decision on 14th June at which point over 4.3 million over 40s had had a first dose but not a second. That’s now down to 3.2 million people over 40. The UK Governments aim is that around two-thirds of all adults in the country will have had both doses by 19 July.
So, in terms of ACU motorcycle sport, the current situation remains as is, that is to say, the risk assessments issued before 17th May remain in place until 19th July and spectator levels remain as per current Gov.UK existing rules until 19th July or until we are told otherwise.
Roy Humphrey, ACU Chairman commented, “The end of restrictions is indeed around the corner. It has been a really difficult year for everyone, not only in terms of motorcycle sport but in our everyday lives. We have all been affected in one way or another. Covid-19 has been a game changer. I just want to thank all Organisers, Officials and competitors for being patient, following the guidance issued by Gov.UK and also adhering to and using the risk assessments issued by ACU Head Office. Yes, it has been a very difficult year, but once we were able to start in whatever guise that was, we did so in accordance with the restrictions that were in place which showed us all as being professional and we all acted responsibly in a manner befitting a governing body and its affiliated Promoters and Clubs. What has been pleasing over the last year or so is how we have all come together to work through this unprecedented period. For that I thank you and on behalf of the ACU Board of Directors, each of our Sport Committees and all the staff at ACU Head Office, I wish everyone a very successful remainder of the season”.
An announcement from the Welsh First Minister regarding the lifting of restrictions in Wales is expected soon. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands need to continue to follow the guidance issued by their own administrations.