Large numbers of fans have been allowed back into stadiums as part of a trial scheme, with the Snooker Championship final hosting a full capacity crowd.
Due to the continued success of the vaccine programme the UK government has planned several trial events that allow fans back into stadiums and venues. The most notable event is the Snooker Championships taking place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The event started on Saturday and ends in two weeks time.
Each round will host an increasing number of fans, with the first round having 213 people, and the final being host to 980 fans.
All fans must show a negative lateral flow COVID-19 test in order to gain admittance. This test must be taken the day of your visit, or the day before. Wearing masks and social distancing measures will be in place at the event due to it taking place indoors.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “These pilots will inform our approach to ensuring future big events can take place safely. By trialling a range of measures to reduce transmission, we are able to gather vital evidence to inform our plans for allowing events in the future.”
Sunday night’s FA Cup semifinal between Leicester City and Southampton at Wembley was host to 4,000 fans. Due to the event taking place outdoors there was no social distancing measures in place, and fans were without masks.
However, similarly to the snooker all fans had to present a negative COVID-19 test.
Michael Butler, a Birmingham City University student who booked tickets for the Snooker Championships on Saturday 24th April, said: “I feel all the necessary checks that are required are a good way to make sure that the event can happen in a safe place. I don’t think there is much else they can do to make the event much safer.
“However, the event is changing a lot regarding the rules with the final having no social distancing, so in terms of the safety it depends a bit on when you go.”
The government have also announced that a 5,000 person crowd will be able to watch a Blossoms concert in Liverpool in early May, with no social distancing measures in place.
