Vaccine passport trials: The 9 events where crowds will return this Spring
VACCINE passports will make their UK debut in a set of pilot events, where people can test out a "certification scheme" designed to usher an end to social distancing. A total of nine will take place in the UK.
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Vaccine passports have existed as rumours for the last year or so, with politicians entertaining the idea as an avenue to help usher a return to "normal" life. The potential policy has been met with controversy, but experts agree they will help keep cases in the UK down. The Government has announced it will launch a series of pilot events aimed at testing its workability.
The events where crowds will return this spring
The Government's pilot events will take place in venues across the UK and cover several events starting this month.
Ministers hope to test the workability of allowing vaccinated crowds to congregate, with numbers far exceeding what has been allowed since the pandemic began.
Among planned events are two of the most anticipated of the year, the FA Cup Semi-Finals and Finals, which could see up to 21,000 attendees.
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The Government has released the below line-up for events taking place this spring:
April 16: Hot Water Comedy Club, Liverpool
April 18: FA Cup semi-final, Wembley Stadium, London
April 17-May 3: World Snooker, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
April 23-25: Luna Cinema, Liverpool
April 24-25: Fun runs with 3,000 participants, Hatfield House, Hatfield
April 25: Carabao Cup Final, Wembley Stadium, London
April 28: ACC Business Event, Liverpool
April 30-May 1: Circus Nightclub, Liverpool
May 15: FA Cup Final, Wembley Stadium, London
The Prime Minister will outline the incoming policy in full on Easter Monday, when he is due to address the nation.
But a key facet of the plan is testing and vaccination, which will provide a "certification" allowing people to congregate.
Attendees should be able to provide full vaccination status and proof of a recent negative test to take part in these pilots.
They may also need to provide a positive PCR test proving full immunity.
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The Government will use the incoming trials to back up their current roadmap.
Revealed earlier this year, the plan sets out how ministers intend to repeal Covid measures over the coming months.
The incremental changes should culminate in a return to Covid-free life by June 23.
By then, officials hope society can function without strict controls on daily living.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said while the pilots will allow significant numbers of people to gather, the Government is working to ensure they are safe.
Writing in The Mail On Sunday, he added each one is a "huge step" towards realising the cabinet's ultimate goal.
He said: "We will examine the risks closely, plan to keep people safe, mitigate the dangers and, in doing, so we will be able to have spectators returning in full to events once more.
"Each successful pilot is a huge step forward towards the life we all miss sorely, every day."