Up to 4,000 spectators in the lowest coronavirus risk areas will be allowed to attend stadiums and arenas in England from December 2, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday.
England is currently under a second lockdown due to a rise in coronavirus cases, but this will be lifted, with permissions given to gyms and leisure centres to reopen.
Elite sport has continued during the closure, and many stadiums have been crowdless since March 13, when the pandemic forced the first lockdown, said dpa international.
However, Johnson says the number of spectators at each event will depend on which part of the three-tiered alert system a venue belongs to. There will be no spectators in an area belonging to tier 3, while up to 2,000 will be allowed in tier 2, with indoor venues being restricted to 1,000.
Spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, said Johnson.
The prime minister added that he will announce which areas belong under the tiered system on Thursday.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden described the decision as “a big step forward for sport.”
I’m also delighted we are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected,” he added.
“I’m confident that sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe, and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in.”
BNA News
