Just 15 Covid positive in event pilots

24-May-2021 - Last updated on 24-May-2021 at 10:58 GMT

Dance again: individuals took part in pilot events that saw clubbing permitted for the first time in over a year (image: Getty/master1305)

Just 0.03% of participants in the Government's series of large event pilots tested positive for coronavirus in the process, according to initial reports.

Around 58,000 people took part in the regulated large-scale events in April and May, including the FA Cup final and an outside music festival.

The Events Research Programme also saw revellers able to sing and dance for the first time in over a year at a nightclubbing event.

Participants were required to take both a PCR test and a lateral flow test before and after attending an event.

Some 15 people reportedly had a positive Covid test in the testing process, according to a report in The Telegraph newspaper.

The Government has not moved to contradict these initial numbers, The Morning Advertiser understands.

Final report

However, an official report is still being finalised by Government scientists and will be sent to ministers at the end of the month ahead of a decision about lifting remaining lockdown laws.

It has been reported the report will conclude large events can be safe as long as risk mitigation measures are used including testing and improved ventilation.

Of the 15 to test positive, some individuals tested positive before the events and so did not attend while others tested positive for the virus afterwards.

It is possible that more individuals could test positive following the events, given the FA Cup final and Reunion 5k occurred around a week ago.

However, the late night sector has welcomed the initial figures and said it proves businesses can reopen safely this summer.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said the figures show clubs contain no greater risk than shops, which have been able to trade throughout the pandemic.

End the suffering

NTIA boss Michael Kill said: "The early release of the initial results from the Events Research Programme have shown that these environments are no different than retail and supermarkets, which are currently open and are able to trade."

"The Government needs to have confidence in the sector's ability to deliver safe events, and continue to stand strong with the roadmap and ensure we are open on the 21st June without fail, ending the suffering of some of the hardest hit industries across the UK."

"Opening the doors of these businesses is the only way that we are going to be able to save these industries and safeguard the amazing people that work within them."

The sector has pushed back against suggestions clubbers could require a ‘Covid passport’ to prove they are protected from the virus.

Additional pilot events will test so-called vaccine passports later in the year although they will not be used in pubs, it has been reported.