Pilot events suggest low risk of virus transmission at mass gatherings

The risk of virus transmission at large events without masks and social distancing can be kept low through testing, reduced capacity and minimised mixing, the government’s pilot events programme suggests.

According to The Times, preliminary data from the events found that the risk was significantly reduced with screening and improved ventilation.

A government source told the paper: “It will help make the case that these large events are not inherently more risky than other parts of the hospitality sector. It shows that there are things that you can do to make these settings as safe as other daily activities.”

The programme included 4,000 people attending the FA Cup semi-final in Wembley, an indoor business event of 1,000 people in Liverpool and 3,000 people attending an indoor club night in Liverpool.

The government’s review of the use of Covid-status certification is due to report before 21 June, when all restrictions are hoped to be dropped. However, concerns have been raised over the Indian variant delaying the roadmap to reopening.

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