England are ready to welcome fans back to stadiums. In the two-match Test series between England and New Zealand, spectators will be allowed only in the second Test at Edgbaston. The match will be played from June 10 to 14.
Every person attending the match has to carry a negative COVID-19 result from the National Health Service (NHS) Rapid Lateral Flow Test, which is completed in 24 hours in advance of the day they are attending, and give consent to take part in the program. The Lord’s Test (June 2 to 6) is not part of the pilot program.
Social distancing will have to be maintained while queuing to enter the stadium. Inside the ground, social distancing is not required – except in hospitality areas. Meanwhile, face coverings aren’t needed while being seated or while consuming food and drink.
Here is the a Tweet from Cricbuzz on the same.
Close to 18,000 spectators will be allowed on each day of the second Test between England and New Zealand.https://t.co/yUwe848K2A#ENGvNZ
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 27, 2021
“Edgbaston is unique as a cricket venue in having such a large stadium footprint, but we also have a vastly experienced operational delivery team, which has hosted many major events and a spectator pilot last summer. We have always been hopeful of featuring in the pilot program and are delighted for the thousands of ticket holders who will now be able to attend,” said Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Edgbaston.
“Whilst public health is the priority, the first stage pilots have shown how people can safely start to enjoy the things they love; live sport and music. It will be great to welcome cricket fans to Edgbaston and give the England team a huge boost as nothing beats the atmosphere that crowds create here,” he further added.
Tom Harrison, Chief Executive of the ECB also supported the move and expressed delight in having the crowds back in the stadium.
“Having crowds back into cricket grounds is so important for the game and for our fans too. The last 15 months have shown just how big a role cricket plays in many people’s lives, and we cannot wait to welcome a growing number of fans back to our stadium over the coming months,” he said.
(with inputs from Cricbuzz)
