Fans allowed back to select sporting pilot events from Saturday
Government says ‘hard work’ to keep coronavirus under control has allowed restrictions to be eased.
Pilot events to test the safe return of spectators will resume from Saturday in the hope that fans can attend sporting venues from the start of October. The events will start with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre this weekend, with a full pilot programme to follow. Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off planned pilot events with some fans in attendance during the first two weeks of August – including the final day of Glorious Goodwood – amid fears over the coronavirus infection rate. But the government has now sanctioned the public attending a small number of sporting events, with a view to reopening competition venues for sports fans, with social distancing measures in place, from October 1. Click Here For Exclusive MansionBet Promotion Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The nation’s hard work to keep the virus under control means we can now make further careful progress on recovery with allowing audiences back for indoor performances, fans back at sports events and the reopening of more Covid-19 secure leisure businesses. “We must all continue to stay alert but today’s welcome news means these organisations can finally get going safely, and we can enjoy more of the things we love as a nation. “I have no doubt that they will work incredibly hard to keep their fans, patrons, and customers safe.” Last month’s two-day cricket clash between Surrey and Middlesex had signalled the return of some fans to live sport, and two more county friendlies also saw spectators through the gates. The World Snooker Championship started its first day with fans in attendance, and around 5,000 racegoers had been due to attend Goodwood on August 1. But those plans were shelved abruptly, with the government determined to limit the spread of coronavirus. The plan set out in the ‘roadmap to recovery’ was paused for two weeks but will now resume from Saturday, except for specific areas where local restrictions are in place.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Capulet captures Dee Stakes to join those in Derby mix for O’Brien
‘He’d probably get a mile and a half the way he runs so we’re delighted with him’.
-
Never So Brave looks smart prospect in the making with Chester success
Royal Ascot could be a target for colt with classy juvenile form to his name.
-
Washington Heights taking Duke of York challenge next week
Smart types set for Knavesmire sprint action, and Musidora full of exciting fillies.
-
Passenger embarks on ‘exciting year’ at Chester
Huxley Stakes starting point for Sir Michael Stoute’s promising four-year-old.
-
The Shunter seeking more staying honours for Emmet Mullins
Cesarewitch victor now has Friday’s Chester Cup in his sights.
-
Royal Ascot a likely option for Guineas fifth Alyanaabi
Connections eager for another crack at a mile after Newmarket defeat.
-
Hewick heading for French Champion Hurdle assignment
After finishing fourth last year, a repeat trip to Auteuil is booked in.
-
Tragedy strikes Hidden Law following Chester Vase victory
Godolphin runner suffered a fatal injury when stumbling after the winning line.
-
Forest pips Port in Cheshire Oaks Fairy-tale
Rossa Ryan: ‘She stuck her head down and galloped right out to the line.’