BRITS will take to the dancefloor in nightclub trials – as part of tests to get the country back up and running out of lockdown. A number of pilot schemes, including the FA Cup final, will be in place until mid-May. It is to help the NHS create a new app that could be shown […]
BRITS will take to the dancefloor in nightclub trials – as part of tests to get the country back up and running out of lockdown.
A number of pilot schemes, including the FA Cup final, will be in place until mid-May.
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It is to help the NHS create a new app that could be shown to gain access into clubs, sports stadiums, theatres and festivals.
The first event is set to be a Liverpool comedy night on April 16, with a nightclub session later on this month – people will be tested before and after the gig.
Nightclubs aren’t due to open back up again until June 21, having been shut since the very first lockdown in March last year.
Prof Iain Buchan, of the University of Liverpool, told BBC Breakfast vaccinations are not a dealbreaker to get into those pilots.
He said it would involve: “Gving your consent to take part when you book a ticket; receiving text messages about hands, face, space, fresh air; minimising unnecessary contacts before the event; getting tested within 36 hours, ideally as close to the event as possible; ideally having a test earlier in the week”.
Prof Buchan added: “Don’t go on the day if you have any symptoms.
“All the events will be in very well ventilated places and the ventilation will be studied, and people will be asked to minimise contacts and get another test five days after, for the purpose of research.”
NHS chiefs are developing a new app members of the public will have to show to gain access to sports stadiums, theatres, festivals and nightclubs.
Those without a smartphone will get a paper certificate.
The system will be trialled at nine pilot events over the next few weeks, where experts will also explore how high-tech ventilation and Covid tests on entry are working.
Boris Johnson will study the feedback to help decide how to manage other large-scale gatherings as restrictions are lifted.
The PM said: “We are doing everything we can to enable the reopening of our country so people can return to the events, travel and other things they love as safely as possible, and these reviews will play an important role in allowing this to happen.”
Liverpool will be a key test centre for the opening up of the rest of the country — with four pilot events being held at a comedy club, a cinema, a nightclub and a business conference arena from next week.
And some fans will be allowed at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final on April 25, the FA Cup final on May 15 and a semi-final on April 18.
The World Snooker Championship in Sheffield and a mass participation run at Hatfield, Herts, are also involved.
