Preliminary data from the Government’s Event Research Programme is “very encouraging” for the future of events, a source told The Times.
Scientist collected data from several trial events that took place across England in April and May, including The Change Business for Good event in Liverpool and the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield.
Attendees at the events did not have to wear masks or social distance but did need a negative Covid-19 test to get in. The government has confirmed to Sky News that 15 people tested positive for Covid-19 following attendance at one of nine Events Research Programme pilot events. However, this figure is in line with the broader population, a government spokesperson confirmed to Sky News, with the average infection rate at 22 infections per 100,000 people.
At this stage, the government has not revealed which trial events were attended by the 15 people who contracted Covid-19, or whether they tested positive before the events or afterwards.
The final findings will be presented to ministers in the coming days, but according to The Times, the initial data shows that with screening and increased ventilation in the venue, the transmission of the virus can be drastically reduced.
“We are still waiting for the final bits of data but the results so far have been very encouraging,” the source told The Times.
The source also told The Times that the final results were “likely to strengthen the case for requiring Covid-Status Certification" for attendees to any event – a safety system that has already been backed by event professionals.
In an open letter in April, UK trade associations, organisers and operators confirmed they would accept the use of Covid-Status Certificates, as long as the process was efficient and temporary.
The certificates would record whether someone has been vaccinated, has had a recent negative test or has natural immunity. Government ministers said the certificate scheme could have an “important role to play both domestically and internationally, as a temporary measure.”
The source told The Times that results from the pilot events “will help make the case that these large events are not inherently more risky than other parts of the hospitality sector.” These results will also help to build attendee confidence if it can be proved that large gatherings with stringent safety measures won’t cause a Covid-19 outbreak.
Higher levels of organisation needed
Another source told
The Times that events need “much higher levels of organisation than those before the pandemic.”
The organising process will now have to include ensuring participants can prove they have had a negative Covid-19 test result, understanding how the event will run with reduced capacity, ensuring increased ventilation throughout the venue and implementing protocols on entering venues to minimise mixing.
“It is true that they [events] are not going to be 100 per cent safe, but you can lower the risk to a reasonable level,” the source told The Times.
Roadmap back to events
Despite in-person events in England being allowed to resume on 17 May, requirements including social distancing, testing and wearing masks are still in place.
Scientists hope the data will help restrictions to be lifted for meetings and events on 21 June - the fourth and final step of the Government’s Roadmap out of Lockdown.
However, under current plans, proof of a recent negative test or a vaccination or antibody status would still be required before people were permitted entry to events.
We will update you as soon as the findings have been released.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
