Stadiums 'open' for fans
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Spectators are set to return to sports venues next month as coronavirus restrictions are eased in areas with lower infection rates in England.
Up to 4 000 people can return to outdoor sports stadiums in parts of England classified as at low risk from coronavirus from December 2, the British government said, permitting the resumption of attendance at football, rugby and racecourses among other sports.
The crowd ceiling will be set at 4,000 or half the stadium capacity, whichever is lower, in the lowest-risk “tier one” parts of the country once a stricter lockdown due to the pandemic ends, the government said.
In “tier two” areas, the limit will be 2 000 outdoors, or half the capacity, it said.
In the highest “tier three” regions where Covid-19 remains acute, no spectators will be allowed.
Spectators had been due to be allowed to return to stadiums from October 1 but the Government pressed pause on that decision due to a rise in infections nationwide.
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The government said it would spell out which regions of England will sit in which tier on Thursday, based on the latest weekly Covid data.
Prior to the current lockdown, most of the country including London was in tier two.
The government said that where spectators are allowed, only home fans will be permitted, to prevent unnecessary travel on public transport by opposing fans.
Last week, Britain’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced a £300million ‘Winter Survival Package’ of loans and grants to sports which are facing financial losses as a result of the absence of fans from stadiums.
Rugby and racing were among the sports to receive financial aid from the government.
SOurce: AFP & Rugbypass
