This spring, clubbers in Liverpool can take part in a coronavirus study event that helps to speed up the safe opening of the nightlife sector.
The Events Research Programme (ERP) will trial events in places such as nightclubs, stadiums, concert halls and theatres amongst others. People will volunteer to take part in the trials that are aimed to collect data on how best to open venues where social gatherings will take place.
Liverpool has been chosen as one of the cities to pilot several events as part of the UK government’s ERP. The collected data will be used to get a better understanding of best practice amid easing of the coronavirus restrictions.
Liverpool’s Director of Culture and Tourism, Claire McColgan MBE told the Liverpool Echo: “Liverpool is an event city. They are a critical part of our economy, culture and community and so we are delighted to be working with partners across Government, our colleagues at University of Liverpool and a number of local venues and promoters to plan this series of pilot events.
“Our experience as the pilot city for mass testing means we have the knowledge and infrastructure in place to deliver complicated projects safely, and we really hope we can help provide the evidence needed to ensure the wider sector is able to open across the country in the coming months.”
Things the trials will monitor to gather data include things like the layout of a venue, and effectiveness of ventilation plus face coverings when attendees are not required to socially distance.
Currently, the 21st of June is the planned opening date for nightclubs and other music venues in the UK. Those dates are subject to the spread of the pandemic, and the effectiveness of health and safety when it comes to limiting the spread of the virus. So these trials in Liverpool will have a large influence on the current road map to reopening.
There is also pressure from event organisers for the government to provide a cancellation fund for those events that have to unexpectedly cancel at the last minute due to the pandemic. You can read more about the cancellation fund HERE.
