Stadium Capacities Culled In Scotland And Wales Due To Covid Surges
Most sport in Scotland and Wales over the Christmas period will be “effectively spectator-free” due to constraints implemented by the government as it continues try to mitigate the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
The restrictions come amid surging numbers of Omicron cases across the UK. In Scotland, they will apply to all levels of sport, and commence on December 26th for a three-week period. First minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that outdoor events will be limited to 500 people, with one metre social distancing in place. All clubs in the Scottish Professional Football League’s four divisions are required to conduct daily tests.
The Scottish Premiership is due to shut down on for two weekends starting 4th January, although some are calling for the winter break to commence earlier. Ice hockey and basketball will be also be affected, as indoor seated events are limited to 200 people.
Scottish sporting venues have only had four months of unrestricted numbers since the initial restrictions were lifted August. Attendance will now be almost eradicated as Ms Sturgeon observes the regulations will “make sports matches, including football, effectively spectator-free over this three week period”.
Much of the concern is understood to be centred on travelling to and from matches by fans and their close contact with each other in queues and toilets. The first minister added that these precautionary measures may feel “distressingly similar” to ones taken last Christmas, but reassured us that: “Although it might not feel like it, we are in a much stronger position than last year.”
Wales has taken similar measures, as their festive sports will be also be held behind closed doors. The restrictions will also affect all levels of Welsh sport, and start on 26th December, though an official end date has not set. Welsh economy minister Vaughan Gething said support will be given to clubs and venues via a £3m fund. Mr Gething added: “Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections. We need to do everything we can to protect people's health and control the spread of this awful virus. Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear - we need to act now in response to the threat of Omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can. Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports.”
