Events Research Programme
The UK Government’s publication of 22 February, ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ (‘the roadmap’), describes plans to explore when and how events with larger crowd sizes, less social distancing, or in settings where transmission is more likely, will be able to return safely.
The Events Research Programme (“ERP”) will oversee this work, bringing findings from across different settings and different sectors to determine a consistent approach to lifting restrictions on events. The ERP aims to provide additional evidence and mitigations for government, event organisers and consumers on reopening events at fuller capacities. The pilot events running April – July 2021 will consider the logistical, practical, and public health considerations of running events safely.
These pilots will build evidence on the risks associated with coronavirus transmission, the characteristics of events and surrounding activities, and the most effective steps for reducing these risks. The ERP will continue to gather important evidence from pilots across various settings that will inform how crowds can return to live events as safely as possible.
The pilot events will examine a range of factors, including but not limited to: indoor and outdoor settings; small and large venues; seated and standing events; different forms of audience participation; transport to and from events; duration; ventilation; movement and behaviours; the suspension of face masks and social distancing; and testing and using the NHS App Covid Pass.
England vs Pakistan T20I at Emerald Headingley
This event is the England vs Pakistan T20I at Emerald Headingley, Leeds (the Event). The maximum capacity of the venue will not exceed 18,350 which is 100% of the maximum capacity for the venue, including a maximum total of 17,860 spectators.
You will be attending the Event as a participant in a research study within the Events Research Programme.
Details of the research being carried out at the Event is set out in the Information Sheet.
The Secretary of State has the power to designate the Event as being permitted for research purposes and therefore not subject to the legal restrictions which would apply to other events under Step 3 of the government’s roadmap. Although steps are being taken to reduce the additional risk of COVID-19 infection this might introduce, you should make sure you are comfortable with the risk set out below.
Social distancing and face coverings will not be required at all times inside the Event but you must follow all directions provided by the event organiser at the Event. Attendees will be required to follow existing Safer Travel guidance when travelling to and from the Event and adhere to rules set out by the event organisers.
Testing
To gain entry to the Event, all participants aged 11 years and older will be required to show either:
- proof of full COVID-19 vaccination both doses received at least 14 days prior to the performance; [OR]
- proof of a negative NHS COVID-19 Lateral Flow Device (LFD) within 48 hours of the performance; [OR]
- proof of natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test taken within 180 days of the performance (including 10 days self-isolation following the result).
Participants under the age of 11 will not need to present any evidence as set out above.
Please note – only tests ordered via the NHS will be recognised on the NHS App. Please do not use private tests when submitting results.
A negative Lateral Flow Device result means the test did not find signs of coronavirus but does not guarantee that you or other participants do not have coronavirus, so you must keep following all social distancing advice before and after your participation in the Event.
A positive result from a Lateral Flow Device means it’s likely you had coronavirus when the test was done. You and anyone you live with must not attend the Event and self-isolate immediately. You are then advised to get a PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to confirm your result as soon as possible.
It is a condition of entry that the participants present with proof of a negative LFD test or proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or proof of natural immunity.
In relation to group bookings, please ensure that all attendees in your booking are aware of the conditions of entry stated above.
Key information about the research and your participation in the Events Research Programme
Further details about your Event and what will be required of you to support the research at the Event can be found below. This document includes information about the purpose of the study, how your data will be used, and who to contact if you have further questions.
About you
Attendance at the Event is at your own risk; you are liable should you test positive for COVID-19 following the Event. It is your responsibility to decide whether or not it is appropriate for you to attend this Event. This decision should be based upon your own health status and susceptibility to infection, and that of members of your family, social bubble or, where applicable, your support bubble, together with an assessment of your own attitude to the potential risks.
If you are not fully COVID-19 vaccinated or cannot demonstrate natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test taken within 180 days of the Event, you will need to take a lateral flow test pre-event, in line with requirements for admission. There is no age limit on those attending the Event.
You must respect the social distancing needs of others and avoid acting in any way that might risk the health of fellow participants and staff working at the venue. For example, if the event organiser requires you to wear a face covering at all times in the venue, or in certain sections, you must adhere to this requirement. At the same time, the event organiser and fellow participants should be aware that some disabled people may not be able to follow all the social distancing and other measures put in place, including the wearing of face coverings.
About risk
No event can be completely safe. The Office for National Statistics estimate that for the week ending 26 June 2021 about 1 in 260 people in England were infected with Coronavirus. The use of testing prior to the Event will reduce the risk of people infected by coronavirus attending the Event but this risk cannot be entirely eliminated.
The latest updates can be found here
Your participation in the ERP
Important: In relation to group bookings, please ensure that all individuals in your booking party have had the opportunity to review the following statements.
When you attend an Event, it’s important that you understand and are aware of the following key information. If you attend an Event, we will consider that you have read and understood the following statements:
1. I have read and have understood the information sheet explaining the information that will be collected for the ERP and have had the opportunity to consider the information.
2. I have been provided with a copy of the Privacy Notice which contains important information about how my personal data is used as part of the ERP. I understand that my personal information will be used in the ways described in that Privacy Notice.
3. I understand that the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) will share the information collected in connection with the ERP as set out in the Privacy Notice. In addition to the DCMS (who has overall responsibility for the ERP), the ERP is being run by the following government departments, university partner organisations and businesses:
a. Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Public Health England (PHE), an executive agency sponsored by DHSC; and
b. Researchers in accordance with the Information Sheet on Research Studies (below).
4. I understand that taking part in a study may involve an individual interview which will be audio recorded. Your consent will be sought in relation to participation in any interview.
5. I understand that my participation in any interview is voluntary and that I am free to stop taking part at any time without giving any reason and without my rights being affected. In addition, I understand that I am free to decline to answer any particular question or questions.
6. I understand that the confidentiality of the information I provide will be safeguarded. However, if I disclose information which raises serious concerns over the immediate safety of myself or others, with prior discussion, I understand that the researcher may be required to disclose some of my confidential information to an appropriate health professional.
7. I understand that the information I provide will be held securely and will only be accessed by the government departments and researchers working on this or related studies.
8. I understand that I will not be identified or identifiable and give permission for quotes to be used in the report or reports that result from the research.
9. I understand that I may be asked to participate in a survey on behalf of NHSx, the purpose of the survey being to understand my experience of using the NHS App when attending the Event. I understand that my responses to the survey will be anonymous and that participation in the survey is voluntary.
Information Sheet for the Events Research Programme
This information sheet provides further details about the research studies that will be conducted at your Event as part of the Events Research Programme (“ERP”).
If you have any concerns, issues or queries regarding the study or how it will be undertaken please contact [email protected]
Self-controlled case series study (or ‘Cohort Study’)
What is the purpose of this study?
The self-controlled case series study is led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine on behalf of Public Health England (as an executive branch of Department for Health and Social Care). The study aims to measure the risk of COVID-19 infection associated with attendance at an ERP event.
Only people who have attended an ERP event and tested positive for COVID-19 shortly afterwards will be included in this analysis. The rate of positive testing for COVID-19 will be compared between a 7 day period following attendance at an event, during which infection occurring at the event would most likely be detected, with the subsequent 7 day period when infection risk is unlikely to be affected by attendance at the event.
The study is based on analysing the records of attendees who subsequently request a test from Test and Trace. The PCR test request form asks if you have participated in an ERP event, therefore attendees requesting a test will be flagged. Public Health England anonymises any personal data collected via NHS Test and Trace before sharing this with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for the purposes of this study.
Can I withdraw from the study at any time?
Yes you can withdraw your participation at any time. You can do this by contacting [email protected]
Will the information obtained in the study be confidential?
Yes, all information will be held confidentially. The analysis will be performed on anonymous data and no identifiable information will be published.
What will happen to the results of the study?
Public Health England and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine will use the results to write a report which will inform Government policy around how events can be delivered safely during the pandemic.
Who has reviewed this study?
The Public Health England Research Ethics and Governance group has approved this study.
Who do I contact in the event of a complaint?
If you would like to make a complaint, please contact [email protected]
