This statement is to update you on Scottish Touch’s position on imminent events and training sessions in light of the current status of COVID-19. 

In the immediate term, all events and training sessions are postponed until further notice.

This postponement covers the various touch events planned around Scotland this weekend (March 14 and 15), and national squad training next weekend (March 21 and 22), and is in place until the STA advises otherwise.

As a national sports governing body, our primary responsibility is the protection of the health and wellbeing of our players and volunteers, and their families and communities. This must override other considerations.

As with all other sporting organisations and workplaces, we have been following Scottish Government and UK Government advice to inform our understanding and response to COVID-19.

In the past 24 hours the circumstances with COVID-19 have developed significantly, with a sharp increase in confirmed cases in both Scotland and the UK, and many sporting bodies and workplaces cancelling events. The UK Government is expected to introduce a number of new measures on Monday aimed at restricting the transmission.

At this stage it is not possible to say when we expect to resume events and training. Like other organisations, we are operating with the information that is available to us and in a fast-moving and uncertain environment.

We will continue to update you as promptly as we can as the situation develops.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.