Covid passes or negative lateral flow tests to be required at large sporting events in England

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that covid passes or proof of negative lateral flow tests will be required for anyone wishing to attend large sporting events in England.

In an attempt to fight the Omicron variant, it has been announced that the NHS covid pass or negative test will be required at unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

The regulation comes into effect on Wednesday, December 15, with Newbury Racecourse hosting their BetVictor Festive Raceday meeting on the same day.

A statement on the Newbury Racecourse Twitter account said: “Following the government’s recent announcement, racegoers joining us on Wednesday 15 December for our BetVictor Festive Raceday will be required to show proof of vaccination through the NHS COVID pass or a negative lateral flow or PCR test within 48 hours.

“More specific details will be communicated to all existing badge holders on Monday 13 December when we will receive further instruction regarding procedures and protocols.”

The World Darts Championship, which includes two Newbury players in Luke Humphries and Jason Heaver, will also require fans to have a covid pass or a negative lateral flow test.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister said that ‘Plan B’ will be introduced with the return of working from home.

He said: “We will also make the NHS Covid pass mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather, including unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

“The NHS Covid pass can still be obtained with two doses but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out.

“And having taken clinical advice since the emergence of Omicron, a negative lateral flow test will also be sufficient.

“As we set out in Plan B, we will give businesses a week's notice, so this will come into force in a week's time, helping to keep these events and venues open at full capacity while giving everyone who attends them confidence that those around them have done the responsible thing to minimise risk to others.”