Top-level
sport in England could restart behind closed doors from June 1 but
spectators may not be able to attend venues until a coronavirus vaccine is
found.
The government's road map for exiting the lockdown, imposed to limit the
spread of coronavirus, was published on Monday afternoon, setting out the
conditions under which various activities can be safely carried out.
Step two of the road map, which cannot begin any earlier than June 1,
includes "permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind
closed-doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social
contact".
This will only be possible though if sufficient progress is made in limiting
the spread of the virus between now and then, but the document entitled 'Our
Plan to Rebuild: The UK government's Covid-19 Recovery Strategy' says that
"organisations should plan accordingly".
It is less clear when supporters will be able to return to venues. The
document talks about venues such as cinemas and hairdressers reopening in
step three - no earlier than July 4 - but states: "Some venues which are, by
design, crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may
still not be able to reopen safely at this point, or may be able to open
safely only in part.
"Nevertheless the Government will wish to open as many businesses and public
places as the data and information at the time allows.
"In order to facilitate the fastest possible reopening of these types of
higher-risk businesses and public places, the Government will carefully
phase and pilot reopenings to test their ability to adopt the new COVID-19
Secure guidelines.
"The Government will also monitor carefully the effects of reopening other
similar establishments elsewhere in the world, as this happens.
"The Government will establish a series of task forces to work closely with
stakeholders in these sectors to develop ways in which they can make these
businesses and public places COVID-19 Secure."
Page 21 of the document warns opening of venues such as sports stadia "may
only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in
numbers of infections".
Supplement: Why football should return
The Sunday Supplement panel argued in favour of Premier League football
returning soon - as safely as possible - for economic and social reasons.
Premier League clubs met on Monday to discuss the next steps for 'Project
Restart' and while the panel acknowledged it will be vital to heed medical
advice to protect players and their families, they believe there are
compelling arguments for the game to resume.
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