In a collection of 58,000 people, only 28 cases of COVID were detected, but the low absorbance of the PCR test means the data must be treated with “extreme care.”
The UK music industry is pushing for the opening of face-to-face events following the “convincing results” of coronavirus trials held between April 17 and May 15. The call comes after announced yesterday (June 25) that only 28 cases had been opened after the protests totaling 58,000 people.
The new data comes from scientists from the Research Events Program (ERP), which aims to test the spread of the virus at nine separate events, such as the Brit21 Awards in 2021 and sporting events such as the FA Cup Final and the World Snooker Championship.
Other gatherings involved in the process include Liverpool’s maskless club night (which recorded 10 cases out of some 7,000 attendees) and the 7,100-seat open-air festival at Sefton Park in the city, where only two cases were recorded. In general, “no major or uncontrolled outbreaks have been detected.”
However, the ERP researcher stressed that the results should be treated with “very caution,” as only 15% of participants were tested as needed after the event. In addition, the everyday use of PCR tests (which detect the virus early) makes it “challenging” to determine the true extent of COVID transmission.
Greg Parmley, UK Live Music Industry Chief Executive, said the organization was pleased. The government released some of its ERP data but criticized the fact that they had taken legal action from the live music and theater industry to order public information off.
We are pleased that no pilot has been found to have an outbreak of COVID, either through testing or increasing the frequency of the community in general,” he added. “It’s also nice to see the air quality for indoor events is almost always the same or better than for a short day at the office.”
“It’s unfair that our industry is stuck in a seemingly endless loop of research before we can open ourselves up if such research isn’t done elsewhere like restaurants, shops, or public transport.”
“With the right mitigation measures, including only COVID certification, there’s no reason we can’t reopen on July 19.”
Paul Reed, CEO from the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), added: “With these positive results. We now need clear government guidance on what exactly to expect from the festival regarding testing regimes and other protocols this summer. We are actively cooperating with the government on this issue. For a still being planned celebration, this is certainly not a conversation that can wait until July 19. “