No major outbreaks found at government mass pilot events

No major outbreaks found at government mass pilot events

Only 28 cases of SLOTXO Covid-19 were recorded after nine large-scale events studied to assess the impact on transmission of the virus, a government report says.

A total of just over 58,000 people went to the indoor and outdoor events but there were "no major outbreaks".

At the time, virus levels were low and testing before and after events was also low, making conclusions difficult.

Pilot events included the FA Cup final, the Brit awards and two Circus nightclub dance nights in Liverpool.

The Events Research Programme was commissioned by the prime minister in February to test how mass gatherings could be held safely, and what measures would help reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

'Pinch points'
Scientists involved in the research said large indoor events could post "a higher potential risk of transmission" because of people being close to each other and poor ventilation.

But they said "pinch points", where people were crowded together for a time, existed at both indoor and outdoor events.

They added that face coverings, restrictions on food and drink, testing, ventilation and social distancing could all be used to reduce the risk of transmission.

The report said no decisions had been taken on fully reopening mass events.

The government is due to set out its plans for this before 19 July - the current date for the final easing of lockdown restrictions in England.

'Outbreak of joy'
Prof Iain Buchan, public health expert from the University of Liverpool, who was involved in the study, said: "The single most important thing people can do is get vaccinated to make events happen".

He said he had witnessed "an outbreak of joy rather than an outbreak of virus" at the events.

The next phase of the events research programme will include tennis's Wimbledon Championships, golf's Open Championship, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Latitude Festival.