Thousands to watch football game at Wembley as part of mass event trial
Many Wembley Park residents feel it's "too soon"
4,000 spectators are heading to Wembley this evening to watch Southampton play Leicester in the FA Cup semi-final.
It's part of the Government's pilot programme - carrying out research into how large-scale events can safely re-open.
Wembley Park residents told us they're keen to see more business for local cafes and restaurants, but many felt it's "too soon" to see thousands gathered so close to home.
Officials at the pilot events will gather evidence associated with different settings and approaches to managing and mitigating transmission risk.
The pilots will explore how different approaches to social distancing, ventilation and test-on-entry protocols could ease opening and maximise participation.
Covid-status certification will also be trialled as part of the pilot programme.
Researchers will also be at the venues to monitor crowd movements at the pilots and look at how attendees behave in these environments as well as consider the economic impact of any mitigation measures trialled such as changes to the layout.
Mark Bullingham, The FA’s CEO, said:
"We are delighted to be hosting three test events at Wembley and are confident we can offer a safe environment. This is an important first step towards getting fans back, with the end goal of full stadia - hopefully by the end of the Men’s Euros. We would like to thank all authorities for their support throughout this process."
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