Government Publishes Phase One Of Events Research Programme Report

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The UK government has published the report of the first phase of its Events Research Programme (ERP). The ERP is currently being conducted to help to understand how the risk of transmission of coronavirus can be reduced at large events when mitigating measures are introduced.

The pilot events that were carried out were run in a structured, scientifically, and ethically robust way to enable events to happen at a scale not previously seen during the pandemic.

More ERP events will continue to take place gathering further evidence, and no decisions have been taken on the full reopening of mass events as of yet, however the report found that events with high crowd density and proximity could potentially pose a greater transmission risk. The government will set out its position on this ahead of the Stage 4 unlocking of its roadmap.

Phase One events included:
April 17 – May 3: World Snooker Championships (10,150 participants)
April 18: FA Cup Semi Final (2,800 participants)
April 25: Carabao Cup Final (7,800 participants)
April 28: ACC Business Event, Liverpool (150 participants)
April 30 – May 1: Circus Nightclub (3,100 and 3,900 participants)
May 2: Sefton Park Concert (6,100 participants)
May 11: The BRITS (3,500 participants)
May 15: FA Cup Final (21,000 participants)
May 15: Reunion 5K Run (2,000 participants)

At each event, the study gathered data on behaviour, movement, ventilation, and testing, and found that with social distancing at pinch points, face coverings, ventilation, and staggered entry and exit times, events can be conducted more safely at increased capacities while maintaining a low risk of transmission.

Unfortunately, due to low uptake of PCR testing before and after each event, the study couldn’t determine evidence of direct transmission, however across the nine events, which saw a total of 58,000 participants, the report confirms that 28 cases of Coronavirus were recorded, although the report does note that these numbers reflect the rigorous testing regime in place for attendance at each event, and the relatively low levels of community prevalence of the virus at the time of the pilots.

Out of the 28 cases, the report found 11 cases were identified as potentially infectious at an event, while a further 17 were identified as potentially infected at or around the time of an event.

Indoor events including Circus nightclub, which hosted nearly 7,000 people over two nights, saw 10 cases recorded. The World Snooker Championship saw 6 cases recorded from over 10,000 attendees over 17 days. The BRIT Awards, which saw 3,500 people attend the event at London’s O2 Arena, recorded no cases.

All three pilot events held at Wembley Stadium, which saw a total of almost 30,000 people attend the FA Cup Semi Final, Carabao Cup Final, and FA Cup Final combined saw 8 cases recorded. The ERP’s outdoor festival pilot at Sefton Park, in which over 6,000 people attended saw 2 cases, with the Reunion 5k run at Kempton Park also recording just 2 cases from nearly 2,000 attendees.

“This programme has shown that through the public demonstrating their status we have been able to track the virus, creating a safer space for the public to get back to the events they love.” ERP Chief Advisor Nicholas Hytner said. “The findings from the first phase of this programme will help facilitate the return of what so many of us enjoy: attending exciting and top quality events throughout the country when it is safe to do so.”

The second phase of pilot events has just been completed, with group stage UEFA EURO 2020 matches hosted at Wembley Stadium, the Download Pilot music festival, and the England v New Zealand test match at Edgbaston and Royal Ascot having taken place this month.

The government is currently in discussions with cultural and sporting events to include them in an expanded third phase designed to further trial testing and vaccine status to allow crowds back safely and efficiently. The third phase of the ERP will include Wimbledon Championships, The Open Championship, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Home and Gift 2021, Rugby League’s Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup Finals. Latitude and the Grange Opera Festival. While further events will be added in due course.

The report is available to read here.