Please note: this page is now out of date due to changes implemented by the UK Government on 29th June 2020. Read the latest update for Northern Ireland.

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The UK government recently relaxed lockdown restrictions to allow unrestricted travel and permit groups of up to 6 people from different households to meet in Northern Ireland, (see here for further guidance. The key headlines are:

• There is no limit on the distance travelled in Northern Ireland.
• Travel to the Republic of Ireland must strictly adhere to the guidance in place there.
• Groups of up to 6 people outdoors as long as you maintain social distancing by being at least 2 metres apart and maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene practices.
• Maintain physical/social distancing of 2 metres as per government guidance
• You should also enforce strong hygiene measures. This might be cleaning any equipment rigorously in line with wider guidance on hygiene, for example by using antiviral spray and washing hands thoroughly before and after use.

The national Mountain Training organisations have considered the guidance above and believe it may now be possible for some providers to deliver a limited range of Mountain Training courses in Northern Ireland subject to appropriate control measures. See further guidance for business and workers here.

The latest general UK Government update for Northern Ireland is here and Recovery Plan here; (see specific guidance for the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales). Within the Northern Ireland update it includes:

At all times, you should continue to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines when you are outside your home, particularly ensuring you are two metres away from anyone outside your household.

It’s really important that everyone continues to:

• follow the advice being offered by the Government based on medical and scientific evidence, including the current ‘stay at home’ advice while that remains in place
• wash our hands regularly and in line with the best practice guidance
• have good respiratory hygiene in terms of coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the crook of your elbow
• follow the social distancing guidelines and stay two metres away from those outside your household whenever possible
• consider the use of cloth face coverings (mouth and nose) for short periods of time when you are in enclosed spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained. For example when using public transport and while in some shops
• abide by the need to self-isolate either because you have symptoms or because you have been in touch with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus. This includes if contacted by the contact tracing arrangements in place
• The NI Executive also ask those in society with responsibilities to exercise them in line with up-to-date public health guidance. So there is an onus on businesses, schools, churches, sporting organisations and many others to show how they can accommodate the current social distancing and other requirements if they are seeking agreement to recommence their activities.

Courses therefore do not lend themselves to involve overnight stays (including camping) or the use of indoor venues for briefings, course delivery or debriefs. No climbing walls or facilities can be used and providers can work on a maximum ratio of 1:5, or as per the scheme handbook ratios. Note: Groups permitted, of up to 6 outdoors while maintaining social distancing at all times, which is perhaps pertinent and relevant for led activities.

Mountain Training’s ‘Covid 19 framework for decision making’ outlines our principles by which we expect providers to make any decision on whether to go ahead with a course. Our guidance on safe practice in the outdoors issued to Mountain Training Association members may also prove useful for both providers and candidates. Providers are responsible for mitigating the risks to staff, candidates and the general public during course delivery and will need to have satisfied their own risk assessment about Covid 19. Candidates need to be prepared to adopt the safeguarding measures which will be required for responsible course/workshop delivery and we encourage candidates to engage with the provider to ensure they understand any control measures and can discuss any concerns they may have.

A cautious approach will be necessary to both limit the spread of infection and respect local sentiment. As such, providers in England should take note of local information and advice from organisations such as their own membership organisations (AMI, BAIML, BMG and MTA), Mountaineering Ireland, National Park Authorities, Mountain Rescue Teams and local Tourist Boards. Providers and candidates must consider the reputation of our sector and act accordingly.

Finally, please note that this currently only affects Mountain Training providers in Northern Ireland. The Mountain Training course delivery situation in Republic of Ireland and England is similar but there are variations in government guidance. As the situation develops in other countries, we will issue further coordinated updates. The guidance for Northern Ireland may change in line with the Government’s advice and may need to be reversed regionally or even nationally if required.