The government’s plan to further ease the coronavirus restrictions will see stadiums and other major events fill up to capacity starting July 19, 2021. The nation’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, informed the UK public about the latest proposals to further alleviate the pandemic limitations during Monday’s press conference.
Step 4 of the government’s Covid-19 recovery plan will see the removal of all restrictions on the number of attendees for both indoor and outdoor venues. Businesses will also be allowed to reopen, and the public will not be mandated to wear masks or practice social distancing any longer. However, event participants may still take the necessary precautions in crowded places.
The PM, alongside Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, emphasised the importance for public events to return to normal operations in an overall effort to mend the nation’s economy. After successfully implementing various test events with higher attendance and the full vaccine rollout, the PM believes this is the proper moment for public life to resume its pre-pandemic state.
The proposal will be decided upon within the week (on July 12) once the newest data is thoroughly reviewed. Should the government’s propositions proceed as planned, fans will again swarm Britain’s stadiums and venues for the first time since March 2020. While fans will be allowed to make their own choices regarding the virus, some venues and events may still ask for the so-called “vaccine passports” if they deem them necessary.
Wimbledon set for full capacity.
During the first successful week of this year’s Wimbledon, stadium capacity has been limited to 50%. However, organisers announced that the Centre and No.1 court would be at full capacity for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. Two of the tennis greats, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, will have a chance to meet in the final and play at a full-capacity Centre Court in front of 15,000 fans.
Furthermore, the two semi-finals and the final of the 2020 Euros will also be played on English soil. In collaboration with UEFA, the UK government managed to increase the allowed attendance at Wembley to 75% of capacity—around 60,000 fans. While fans will be required to meet several Covid-19 requirements, they can still rejoice since they will be permitted to see the last games of one of the best football competitions in person.