Face coverings and social distancing will be suspended at a handful of venues during a government trial of the safe reopening of large events.
The Events Research Programme (ERP) co-chaired by theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner and co-founder of The Carphone Warehouse David Ross will test a range of safety measures in its first scheduled 10 to 15 events in the next few weeks, including the FA Cup Final on 15 May.
Its aim is to establish which methods work best to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission in larger crowds, paving the way for large events to resume later in the year.
The findings will inform ministers’ decisions over ending social distancing on 21 June, when Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown reaches its final stage.
Face coverings and social distancing will be suspended at a handful of venues during a government trial of the safe reopening of large events.
The Events Research Programme (ERP) – co-chaired by theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner and co-founder of The Carphone Warehouse David Ross – will test a range of safety measures in its first scheduled 10 to 15 events in the next few weeks, including the FA Cup Final on 15 May.
Its aim is to establish which methods work best to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission in larger crowds, paving the way for large events to resume later in the year.
The findings will inform ministers’ decisions over ending social distancing on 21 June, when Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown reaches its final stage.
On the potential risks of the study, the programme says: “We have put careful consideration into the timing of this study, particularly with regard to progress of the vaccination programme.
Over 98 per cent of people at risk of death from Covid-19 have been vaccinated, which significantly lowers the risk posed.