Only 15 people tested positive for Covid-19 that attended pilot events across the UK. These included the mass gatherings for night club like events in Liverpool a few weeks ago.
It also included the 4,000 people who attended the 2021 Brit Awards, hosted by Jack Whitehall and opened by Coldplay, as well as the FA Cup Final between Leicester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium last week.
The pilot events also included the World Snooker Championship final in Sheffield. It also included the “Reunion 5K” run at Surrey’s Kempton Park.
Following these events and others, it was reported in the Telegraph that only a small number of the 58,000 who attended, tested positive for Covid-19.
The Telegraph also reported that the approximate 58,000 attendees of these events had to take a PCR test. They also had to take a lateral flow test before and after the event. The report had said that only 15 positive cases were detected.
Some people were tested before the event and unable to attend, while others tested positive after the event.
The Times also reported that data gathered from the Liverpool events showed Covid transmission can be reduced hugely when factors like ventilation and screening are introduced.
“Welcomed back in bigger numbers safely” – UK Government source
This renews hope that large scale events can return to the UK soon. This was part of their Events Research Programme.
“The aim of our world-leading Events Research Programme is to examine the risk of Covid-19 transmission at large events and explore how crowds can be welcomed back in bigger numbers safely”, one government source said.
“The pilots have been designed in a scientifically controlled way to reduce the risk of transmission for attendees”, they added. “We are working closely with NHS Test and Trace to ensure everyone can be traced following a positive test”.
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is due to receive a report making reccomendations using the results of this Events Research Programme over the coming days.
Meanwhile in Ireland, Minister Catherine Martin said that pilot music events could take place on Irish soil in June.
”I am keen to conduct pilot events indoor and outdoor as soon as possible”, she said.“I would like to see some of these events happen in June. I’m keen to make that happen in June. I know July was mentioned but I’m keen to have these pilot events done by June”.
Live music guru, Melvin Benn also said that he is hopeful that his Electric Picnic festival will go ahead in Ireland this September. He also gave a thumbs up to the Leeds and Reading festivals.
