RE: GREAT TELEGRAPH ARTICLE26 May 2021 11:05
The roughly 58,000 people in total who attended the events were required to take both a PCR test and a lateral flow test both before and afterwards. Multiple sources told The Telegraph just 15 positive Covid cases have so far been detected.
It is understood some of those people were tested before events, meaning they were not able to attend. Others tested positive afterwards.
It remains possible that other positive tests from the most recent events could emerge, with the FA Cup final and Reunion 5k only having taken place last weekend. One theory for how some people may have tested negative on the way in but positive afterwards is that they could have only just caught the virus and not yet been infectious.
Other factors may be at play, with the low positive rate likely to reflect the low levels of Covid being detected in the wider population.
Another question is whether everyone who attended events took tests afterwards as required. It remains unclear whether the published version of the final report will include the total number of test results after events.
One source said the study was "the most authoritative in the world" about how large events can safely be reopened. The source said the recommendation would be that "you can move forward and you can reopen the events sector", adding: "It would be proportionate to do so given the risk."
All decisions about reopening rest with Mr Johnson, who will be handed conclusions on multiple reviews as well as the latest data on Covid cases before deciding what to reopen on June 21. How the Indian Covid variant develops will be critical to decision-making amid concerns it could be more transmissible than other strains.
Large event venues tnot yet allowed to reopen fully include sports stadiums, business conferences, theatres, concert venues and festivals. Perhaps the biggest question mark hangs over nightclubs, and it is understood a number of the 15 positive results came from the two nights of events at the Circus club.
Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, the UK's deputy chief medical officer, who is involved in the Events Research Programme, has privately expressed caution about rapidly reopening clubs, according to one well-placed source.
A Government spokesman said: "The aim of our world-leading Events Research Programme is to examine the risk of Covid-19 transmission at large events and explore how crowds can be welcomed back in bigger numbers safely.
"The pilots have been designed in a scientifically controlled way to reduce the risk of transmission for attendees. We are working closely with NHS Test and Trace to ensure everyone can be traced following a positive test."