Fans to be allowed at outdoor sports following lockdown
Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that spectators will be allowed to return to stadia once England’s lockdown restrictions are lifted on 2 December, dependant on an area’s tiered status.
All outdoor sport will also be allowed to resume – during the lockdown, only elite sport was permitted.
In areas classified as tier one, the lowest risk, a maximum of 4,000 fans will be allowed at outdoor events, with a maximum of 2,000 allowed in tier two areas.
Indoor venues in the two tiers will allow up to 1,000 spectators.
Capacity in all venues will be limited to these numbers or 50%, whichever is smaller.
However, in areas that are classified as tier three, sports venues will remain closed to the public.
Mr Johnson said: “In tiers one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing.”
Mr Johnson said that an announcement would be made on Thursday revealing which regions are in each tier, based on the most recent data.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, who was absent from the Commons after being contact traced, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had received “significant representations” from those advancing the benefits of allowing sport to continue.
I’m pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier
– Oliver Dowden
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This is a big step forward for sport. Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority, so I’m pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier, in recognition of the significant health benefits.
“I’m also delighted we are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected, taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowest-risk areas first. 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.”
The CEO of Sport England Tim Hollingsworth said: “Today’s news is very welcome for everyone who has so badly missed the usual opportunities to play sport and keep active.”
“Huge credit is due to the many organisations and individuals who have worked so hard to evidence how safe their activities and facilities are and to set out so clearly what they are doing to reduce risk.
“From the Prime Minister down, there is now a strong recognition of the vital benefits of playing sport and being active, not just for your physical wellbeing, but also crucially as a support for your mental health. As we head into the winter months having a range of safe opportunities available like this is more important than ever.”
It is currently unknown whether similar rules will be applied in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as Covid-19 measures in each country are determined by the devolved administrations.
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