Update 14 May 2020 - COVID-19 ? STAY SAFE
(further guidance for LCMLA and CIC scheme members to follow A.S.A.P.)
On 10th May 2020, the Prime Minister announced a series of changes to the current Covid-19 lockdown which have an impact on outdoor sports in England. It is important to note that the situation is different in Wales and Scotland. You should continue not to travel to exercise to, from or within Wales and Scotland.
In England, a person can now travel to take unlimited exercise and do so with members of their household. A person can also take exercise with one member of another household provided you follow the social distancing guidelines. However the effectiveness of social distancing within a cave or mine in respect of airborne or surface transmission between persons is an open question. There is therefore concern that the 2m rule may be insufficient to provide protection.
The British Cave Rescue Council has issued information on rescue which can be read at https://www.caverescue.org.uk/. It is clear that the ?service? provided by cave rescue organisations may be reduced and take longer to arrive at the scene of an incident.
It is likely that cavers, along with other visitors, will not be welcome in rural communities. In addition, it is anticipated that permission may not be granted to descend those caves and mines where it is required; especially if that requires face to face contact. Please check the web sites of Regional Caving Councils & other organisations for updates on access, see below for links. In addition, most caving club huts will remain closed since that aspect of the regulations have not changed.
BCA urges cavers to be responsible and if you do decide to go caving, then minimise the risk of accidents underground by choosing less demanding caves and mines.
BCA Council
14 May 2020
Regional Caving Council & other organisation web sites links
CCC - http://www.cambriancavingcouncil.org.uk/
CNCC - https://cncc.org.uk/
CSCC - http://cscc.org.uk/
DCA - https://thedca.org.uk/
DCUC - https://dcuc.org.uk/
SUI - https://www.caving.ie/
