Yoga Scotland are closely following the evolving situation and will provide updates to our members when we are able. Please be aware that as an organisation ran by volunteers we are not always able to instantly respond or provide updates to our members. 

Update 4th January 2020

Following the announcement by the Scottish Government yesterday, NO group yoga sessions / classes can take place for the foreseeable future.

 ONLY 1-2-1 yoga sessions are currently allowed outside.

‘Outdoor non-contact sports such as golf and tennis are permitted for all age groups provided this is within a single household group, or the group contains no more than 2 people from 2 different households.  Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards this number.

Organised sport and exercise can only take place within a single household group, or a group containing no more than 2 people from 2 different households.’

For further information visit: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/

The situation is constantly changing, and as a small team of volunteer trustees, it takes time to interpret the government guidelines as they change and translate them to yoga teaching.

Thank you for your patience and on going support

Insurance Information

Well being Insurance has confirmed the following extensions to insurance cover (19.03.20):

Insurance underwriters have just made the following extensions to insurance cover. If you are planning to live stream yoga classes or pre-record yoga classes for your students, please read the update carefully.

In summary:

1. Live streaming classes will be covered if the teacher can see the students and vice versa. These will be students known to the teacher including knowledge of students’ pre-existing medical conditions.
2. Pre-recorded classes will be covered when
   1. students have signed a legal disclaimer to state that participation in the class is at their own risk,
   2. the online class is via a secure platform that requires a personal password/ID for the student to access the class,
   3. students are already registered with the teacher, are known to them, have previously attended at least one class or had an initial assessment with the teacher on a 1:1 basis or small class setting prior to the student participating
   4. the class must be suitable for remote teaching and the teacher must proactively discuss and encourage students to practice in a suitable environment
   5. the teacher doesn’t introduce new movements or poses that have not already seen their students practice.

To view and/or download the full Insurance update document please click here.

Guidelines – Venue Expectations – Yoga Scotland  – 2020/21

As classes are returning to venues, Yoga Scotland expects the safety measures below to be in place at any venue teachers use.

A risk assessment must be completed by the Teacher and a paper copy should be signed and kept to ensure evidence of the check being completed.

These guidelines have been adapted from government guidelines and standards being established by public venues/studios/indoor spaces operated in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yoga Scotland is committed to ensuring that it’s Teachers and their class participants, are safe and have a clear understanding of these guidelines.

The following guidelines are in accordance with government guidelines following the announcement that that indoor sport facilities and gyms can reopen from 31 August 2020 onwards

Hygiene measures at venue:

• Hand sanitation on entering the building and/or studio room
• Soap, paper towels, hand drier available in the WC areas
• No tea/coffee, shared food area – participants bring their own refreshments / water bottles
• Removal of all non-essential equipment
• Studio door handles, toilets, floors should be cleaned prior to the start of the session. Appropriate cleaning regularly throughout the day. Touch spots like door handles, flush handles to be disinfected between each use, disinfectant to be provided.
• Protocol for contact & trace measures if anyone develops symptoms post session
• Protocol for a participant who develops Covid-19 symptoms while in situ
• No congregating in doorways. Adhering to the 2 metre distance guidelines at all times, as best as possible. Ideally, venues will have one-way systems in place to follow.
• Mats not to be in circles or face to face – guidance on distancing indoors is still 2 metres in Scotland, this may be reduced to 1 metre if masks are worn.
• Foot sanitising if possible
• When teaching on carpets, if the carpets can not be disinfected or steam cleaned, then a protective layer is suggested. This may be a sheet, dust sheet or a carpet protection film available from builders / decorator merchants

Personal safety:

• Participants bring their own sanitised mat and equipment including a mask
• Participants to bring your own hand sanitiser
• Wash hands regularly during the day and avoid touching your face.

Teacher’s responsibility:

• Identifying high risk people and ensuring they do not attend class
• Risk assessment check list completed before class starts
• Ensure guidelines and safety measures are adhered to and participants feel safe
• Adequate ventilation measures are in place. Opening windows and doors if possible
• Practices such as nadi shodhana (or practices which require touching the face), or kapalabhati/bhastrika and simhasana (using a forceful exhale) as well as chanting, paired asana or physical adjustment must be avoided. These would need to be taught online.

Yoga Scotland insured teachers are covered to teach both indoors and outdoors when you are able to do so, subject to the Government guidelines.