Nine events in the first phase of the U.K. Government's Events Research Programme recorded just 28 cases of COVID-19 among 58k participants. Despite the positive results, the Government's report cautions that spread of the Delta variant could increase infection figures at future events.
The U.K. Government published the results following legal action from the live music business, which is calling further delays in reopening “completely unfair.”
The study gathered data from events, which included The BRIT Awards (pictured), on behavior, movement, ventilation and testing. Results show that with mitigating factors, such as social distancing, face coverings and staggered entry and exit times, events can be conducted more safely at increased capacities while maintaining a low risk of transmission.
Greg Parmley, CEO of trade body LIVE, said it’s “completely unfair that our industry finds itself stuck in seemingly interminable rounds of research before we can open when no such research is being done for other places, such as restaurants, shops or public transport. “With sensible mitigations, including simple COVID-certification, there is no reason why we should not be able to reopen on 19 July."
