Covid-19 and sports: Government data shows mass participation events can ‘safely’ happen

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Over 350,000 people attended the British Grand Prix over three days

Data from the British government’s Covid pilot scheme to test the return of large crowds to venues showed that major events “can be conducted safely”.

Data from 37 pilot events, including the British Grand Prix and Wimbledon, found case numbers were “largely in line with or below” community infection rates over the four-month programme.

But data for the Euro 2020 final shows that 2,295 people in or near Wembley were likely already infected, while another 3,404 likely contracted Covid-19 around the event.

“We have shown that we can safely reintroduce group sporting and cultural events, but it is important that people remain vigilant when mingling in very crowded places,” Culture Minister Oliver Dowden said.

“So that we can keep the football season, theaters and parties safe with full crowds this winter, I urge sports, music and culture fans to get vaccinated because this is the safest way to launch big events on all cylinders again.”

The government’s Events Research Program included London theater performances and music festivals, including Download, Tramlines and Latitude, as well as sporting events.

Figures published on Friday showed the NHS Test and Trace had registered 585 cases at the time of the British Grand Prix in July, which hosted the UK’s largest crowd in more than 18 months with more than 350,000 people attending over three days.

Of these, 343 were likely actually infectious, while 242 were of people potentially infected around the time the event occurred.

At Wimbledon in the same month, which hosted about 300,000 people over two weeks, 881 cases were registered through the NHS Test and Trace.

That breaks down into 299 cases that were likely actually infectious, with 582 cases likely to have caught the infection around the time the tournament.

The Ministry of Culture, Media and Sports said: “It cannot be assumed that transmission of infection definitely occurred at the event, nor that individuals became infected at the time of their attendance at the event.”

The Euro 2020 final was held between England and Italy at a time when there was a major community spread of Covid-19.

This, and the large numbers of ticketless fans who gathered at Wembley, “likely contributed to the increase in infection data”.

Dr Jennifer Smith, deputy medical director at Public Health England, said: “Euro 2020 was a unique occasion and we are unlikely to see a similar impact on Covid-19 cases from future events.”

“However, the data shows how easily the virus can spread when there is close contact and this should be a warning to all of us as we try to get back to a cautious normal again.”

Michael Keel, CEO of the Night Industries Association, said: “We are pleased to see that the data supports the ability to safely organize cultural events, private club performances and mass gatherings.

“The industry is doing a great job maintaining safe spaces for people to socially participate, and a month after opening, we are pleased to see consistent numbers showing a measured decrease in cases and death rates.

We hope that these results will bring renewed confidence in key sectors.

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