AND THEY’RE ON!
Masks, that is, as racing fans are allowed back... only to be banned again
IT’S normally all about the hats and the dresses.
But for racegoers yesterday, there was one must-have fashion accessory – the coronavirus facemask.
And for the ladies attending the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, it did not matter that the coverings came in a rather plain variety of styles and colours.
They were just glad to be at the races, as spectators were allowed in for the first time in six months, with social distancing, staggered entry times and temperature checks. However, some of the 2,500 excited racing fans who picked winners forgot instructions not to hug and cheer.
And their delight at being back watching the horses was cut short as the resurgence in Covid-19 cases nationally means the rest of the four-day festival, which culminates with the St Leger on Saturday, will be closed to the public. Dr Rupert Suckling, director of public health for Doncaster, said it was ‘the safest and most appropriate way to move forward for everyone’s best interests in the borough and beyond’.
It followed widespread astonishment that spectators were allowed in yesterday – particularly after the Government had announced a ban on gatherings of more than six people from next Monday.
Doncaster’s Labour mayor Ros Jones warned it could jeopardise the low coronavirus infection rates in that part of South Yorkshire, which yesterday stood at just over ten per 100,000 people. There had been controversy in March when, days before lockdown, more than 250,000 fans attended the Cheltenham Festival.
Scientists said it contributed to a spike in cases. Ministers announced pilot schemes for a limited return of spectators to sporting events in July, with the hope of higher numbers next month. But Glorious
Goodwood, which was to have been the first, went ahead without spectators at the last minute.
Yesterday Boris Johnson said the scheme was under review, as the racing industry and other sports warned of huge job losses.
It is understood that other pilot events which have been arranged to test the safe return of spectators will be limited to 1,000 people with social distancing measures in place. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said more details would be announced shortly.
‘In everyone’s best interests’