As new cases of coronavirus in the United Kingdom approach about 600 new cases a day, down from a high of 8,700 in April, the country has decided to allow outdoor concerts to resume, as long as social distancing is in place.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden decreed “Of course we won’t see crowds flooding into their venues, but from July 11 our theatres, operas, dance and music shows can start putting on outdoor performances to socially distant audiences. That means theatregoers can experience a live play for the first time in months at places like the stunning Minack Theatre in Cornwall, and music lovers can attend Glyndebourne this summer.”
This would be part of stage three of the country's reopening, which would also allow for small indoor events. The previous stage only allowed performances for the purpose of recording or broadcasting. Phase three allows "a limited socially-distanced audience." Phase four will raise the limits on the amount of indoor concerts allowed, but social distancing would still be required. The final stage would lift all restrictions on distancing, and one would assume would only happen once there is a vaccine or cure for the virus.
I guess it depends on what kind of precautionary measures are put in place, but on paper, this still seems too soon to risk for some people? If you lived in the UK, and an outdoor show was announced, would you go?
This follows the news that the U.K government announced a relief package worth £1.57 billion to help arts and entertainments industries. The move follows a similar one from the German government, who allocated a €150 million grant of a €1 billon relief fund to music venues.
[Metalsucks via Kerrang!]
