Johnson Greenlights Return of Crowds for December

[Wandering Eyes]

Fans in the UK will be allowed to return to sporting venues in a limited fashion in December as coronavirus restrictions are eased in areas with lower infection rates, according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Outdoor and indoor venues in Tier 1 and 2 areas would be greenlit for spectators to return, but exact capacity details were not revealed. Potentially, 4,000 people or 50% capacity limits-whichever is lowest-would be in place for Tier 1, with 2,000 people or 50% capacity for indoor venues. In Tier 2, it has been reported that 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors or 50% capacity.

Racing was halted in March during the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak and resumed on June 1. Since it restarted, the sport has taken place behind closed doors, with the exception of two small pilot events at Warwick and Doncaster.  Fans were due back in stadiums in October, but the rising COVID-19 cases caused that plan to be changed and more lockdowns imposed by the government.

“Spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls,” Johnson said in a statement to the House of Commons.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed the details of spectators returning via Twitter, saying “Sports fans back in stadia from 2nd Dec. 4K or 50% of capacity in Tier 1, 2K or 50% of capacity in Tier 2. A big step forward for fans as we work towards fuller capacities. Thanks to pilot hosts and fans for showing this can be done safely.”

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