Coronavirus Update – 2^nd June

Statement on re-opening of clubs and shooting grounds in Wales.

Last week Mark Drakeford First Minister of Wales announced Coronavirus lockdown easing of restrictions from Monday 1^st June. The Welsh Government are not easing lockdown restrictions on outdoor exercise facilities due to public health priorities as part of the framework for Coronavirus recovery. All outdoor and indoor target shooting facilities remain closed in line with Welsh Government public health guidance. Our expectation is that outdoor shooting disciplines will be the first to return.

The Welsh Target Shooting Federation are as keen as you are to re-open facilities as soon as possible, and we are working quickly to prepare advice. We recognise that each club, ground, or facility is different, and it will be the responsibility of the club committee or facility owner to assess the risks prior to reopening. Risk assessments will help to decide the most suitable procedures and timescales. Although facilities in Wales must remain closed until the next Welsh Government update, risk assessments are a proactive step that can be taken now to prepare for return to shooting. Together with the appropriate Welsh target shooting association, we will assist clubs as much as we can with this process.

We will ensure that our advice aligns with directives from Welsh Government, and to ensure consistency across the UK, will be delivered following consultation with all relevant UK target shooting National Governing Bodies and the Welsh Sports Association. We expect an update to this guidance on or around 18^th June after which we will update our advice.

We will provide information and resources to assist your planning for a return to shooting, please check our website regularly for these.

We appreciate your understanding and patience at this difficult time, we all want to get back to shooting as soon as possible but we must do so in a safe way.