Festival-goers warned to get tested before they arrive in Reading
Berkshire West's Director of Public health says people need to be sensible
A leading health official says she's satisfied the Reading Festival can go ahead safely after missing a year due to the pandemic.
Berkshire Public Health has worked closely with the organisers to ensure the festival is Covid-safe.
Meradin Peachey, Director of Public Health for Berkshire West said:
“We have plenty of experience of working across Berkshire’s six local authorities to ensure major public events can take place safely.
“It’s important for people to stock up on lateral flow device (LFD) tests from a pharmacy or local collection point before they leave home. Festival goers will have to show evidence of a negative test taken prior to travel on the day of the festival, or proof of full vaccination – with both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine received at least 14 days prior to the festival.
“Those using an NHS lateral flow test to demonstrate their Covid status will need to re-test on the expiry of the initial 72-hour validity period, so we are asking people to ensure they bring spare lateral flow tests with them for the weekend.
“Anyone leaving the site during the festival will be required to validate their Covid status when they return, as well as uploading their re-test results to the NHS website.”
To further ensure the safety of everyone attending the festival, free hand sanitiser will be available throughout the site and the organisers require all staff to take a lateral flow test every 72 hours.
Meradin added: “If anyone is feeling unwell, has Covid-19 symptoms, or has a positive result from a lateral flow test, they should contact a member of Festival staff. Full medical facilities are available on site and a Covid-19 isolation area will be available,”
Full Covid-19 safety precautions and guidance packs have been sent to those with a festival ticket and more details can be found on the festival website