​Results from COVID pilot events show ‘no impact’ on virus spread

According to the test results from Liverpool’s four pilot events and London’s BRIT Awards, which took place in late April and earlier this month, "no impact" has been made on the spread of the virus following the mass gatherings.

The BRIT Awards was attended by 4,000 in a non-socially distanced, no mask required event earlier in May. The audience, which comprised mostly of key workers and NHS workers, had to provide a negative test before entering. No positive cases came as a result of this event.

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Meanwhile, only two people tested positive after heading to Liverpool’s 5,000 capacity festival at Sefton Park in April. The city hosted four test events over the course of a week as part of the Events Research Programme (ERP), which has now been regarded as a success.

A total of 58,000 people attended all the events, which also included a business festival attended by over 13,000 and two nightclub pilots. Reports show that only 15 people tested positive out of everyone who attended the group of events.

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The government are now hopeful that large scale shows, gigs and nightlife can resume as normal on June 21 when the roadmap to reopening will take its final step. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the Evening Standard that he is “very hopeful” the lockdown will be able to ease as planned next month.

Matt Ashton, Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, stated: “Liverpool’s involvement in the ERP is undoubtedly a success story, providing us with vital learning which will shape how this sector safely reopens. The significance of the city’s role in this pilot shouldn’t be underestimated – the eyes of the world were on us for days as we made pioneering strides to bring people back together to share and experience events without any Covid restrictions in place.”

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The government has commissioned a second round of trials with larger audiences to take place over the coming weeks. This includes a 10,000 capacity festival-style event which could take place in mid-June, planned by Festival Republic boss Melvin Benn.

[Via: Liverpool Echo]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter