AQW 10642/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 19/11/2020
Answered On Date: 19/08/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether dance studios are permitted under the current COVID-19 regulations to open in order to teach dance qualifications that are recognised by Ofqual.

Answer:

Dance is classified as sport for the purposes of the current Coronavirus Regulations. All indoor sport, whether taught for qualifications, or organised formally by local sports club or informally by a group of friends, is permitted (subject to risk assessment and appropriate mitigations). Dancing however, is not permitted in licensed or unlicensed premises e.g. hospitality settings or other premises that hold a liquor license.

A risk assessment, as set out in the regulations, must be completed where there will be over 15 people taking part.

Changing rooms and shower facilities can be opened, but their use should be avoided or minimised where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and time spent in the changing area should be minimised.

Hygiene measures, social distancing and other mitigations should be strictly adhered to.

Any behaviour which may encourage the risk of transmission around sports activities, such as car sharing, congregation of people on the side-lines and sporting celebrations, should be avoided.