France lifts COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor events

Outdoor events in France have returned to full capacity as all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

From today (June 30), all event goers who have been double vaccinatedor can show proof of a negative test will be able to attend events.

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Outdoor events which had been capped at 5,000 people will be allowed to operate normally.

Previously festivals had to maintain socially distancing and all in attendance had to be seated.

Aurélie Hannedouche, Head of the Union of Contemporary Music (SMA) told Le Dauphiné libéré she welcomes the news as the previous plans were “unrealistic,” but “it will be hard to readjust for festivals planned around mid-July.”

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However, indoor events in France will continue to operate at 75% capacity.

In anticipation of the return of shows in the UK, data from the pilot events showed just 28 people tested positive for COVID-19.

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But scientists revealed although the data is “reassuring,” “extreme caution” should be taken as only 15% of attendees took tests after the events.

Events in the UK are set to return at full capacity from July 19 following the delay to the proposed lifting of restrictions on June 21.

**Paddy Edrich is a freelance writer, follow him on* Twitter*