Results from the UK’s mass gathering test events have provided early evidence that suggests going to a rave is no more dangerous than going shopping.
The Times reports that the UK governments Events Research Programme (ERP) has generated preliminary data that shows things like virus screening, ventilation and other mitigating factors significantly reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at large scale events such as concerts, raves and football matches.
One of the events run as part of the ERP, was two 3000 person raves in Liverpool hosted by Yousef’s Circus. Attendees had to show a negative lateral flow test before arriving, but once inside people could mix with each other and dance without restrictions.
Giving a statement on the test events results, a spokesperson for the UK government told The Times: “We are still waiting for the final bits of data but the results so far have been very encouraging,” then continued: “It will help make the case that these large events are not inherently more risky than other parts of the hospitality sector. It shows that there are things that you can do to make these settings as safe as other daily activities.”
It’s expected that the UK’s government will use the final set of data to help finalise plans of how to leave its lockdown, which at the moment is planned to finish on the 21st of June. Although it has to be noted that these results won’t include data linked to the new B.1.617 strain of the virus, which is more commonly known as the Indian variant. So, there is a chance that more data or test events might be needed for the final plan to leave lockdown.
These results of course also have value to other parts of the world who themselves have either run test events or are in the process of outlining plans to leave lockdown. Spain for example also had very promising results after it did a large indoor rock concert, which you can find more about here.
It’s expected that the UK’s results will boost the COVID-status certification also referred to as vaccine passports. This would mean large events are only accessible for those willing to take COVID-19 tests beforehand or for those who have been vaccinated. It’s expected that Boris Johnson’s government will make an announcement about that possibility before June 21st.
H/T: The Times
