Gigs and shows are no more dangerous than going shopping, UK trials reportedly suggest

Matches at Wembley, a nightclub in Liverpool, and the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield were among the events used for the trial.

Preliminary data, as seen by The Times, suggests that Covid-19transmission can be significantly reduced at big events by the introduction of screening and improved ventilation, allaying fears that gigs, concerts and sports matches could cause serious coronavirus outbreaks.

The results of the trials will reportedly be sent to ministers over the next few days, as they work out what to do in the next steps in the fight against COVID-19, with the pilot events being a key detail involved in the decisions.

A government source in the UK told The Times that the data was "encouraging", adding: "It will help make the case that these large events are not inherently more risky than other parts of the hospitality sector.

"It shows that there are things that you can do to make these settings as safe as other daily activities.

"It is true that they are not going to be 100% safe but you can lower the risk to a reasonable level."

The UK government has spent the last month or so hosting COVID trial events, which have included a nightclub in Liverpool, three FA Cup matches at Wembley Stadium, the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield, and the Brit Awards in London's O2. People at the events were not required to wear masks or exercise social distancing, but they were however made to prove they had recently tested negative for coronavirus, and take a subsequent test afterwards, to track the outcomes from the gatherings.