The events industry is poised to fully reopen in England on 19 July once the Government makes its final decision on moving to Step 4 on 12 July.
Addressing the public from Downing Street, 5 July, prime minister Boris Johnson said that once Step 4 is enabled, all restrictions would be lifted, becoming optional in most circumstances, and that there would be no legal requirement for any form of Covid-status certification – proof of vaccination, negative test, or natural antibodies.
This would mean that events of all types would not need to enforce social distancing or enforce the wearing of face coverings.
However, the prime minister did say that individual event organisers may wish to implement their own measures, which may include their own version of Covid-status certification, face coverings or restricted capacities.
Essentially, organisers will need to respond to the sentiments of their delegates or visitors.
The prime minister said: “There will be no Covid certificate required as a condition of entry to any venue or event although businesses and events can certainly make use of certification and the NHS app.”
The prime minister reiterated that no final decision would be made on the so-called ‘Freedom Day’ until 12 July. Alongside chief medical officer professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific advisor Sir Patrick Vallance, prime minister Johnson said that the link between infection and hospitalisation (and subsequent mortality) had been “weakened”, although not completely broken.
Professor Chris Whitty warned that some restrictions may be required in the winter months but did not elaborate beyond echoing prime minister Johnson that the Covid-19 pandemic was “not over.”
For the events industry, this would no doubt require clear and fair guidance from insurance companies.
The prime minister announced a five-step plan to be affected post 19 July, which includes reducing the time between doses from 12 to eight weeks and maintaining border controls.
More definitive guidance for the events industry has not yet been published, and may not be released until after 12 July. The latest on today’s update can be read here.
The above article was published by Conference News, written by Martin Fullard.
Direct Link: https://www.conference-news.co.uk/step-4-freedom-day-decision-be-made-12-july
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