Leicester Bonfire Night: Visitors urged to get tested and booster jabs available on site
People with tickets to Leicester's Bonfire Night event on Saturday (6 November) are being asked to take lateral flow tests before and after attending.
The capacity for the sold out event at Abbey Park has been capped to 8,000 this year to allow for social distancing, and the planned stage programme has been cancelled to stop people from gathering in one place.
Visitors are also being asked to take another Covid-19 test on Sunday night (7 November), before returning to their workplace or school.
The council says infection rates are higher in Leicester now than they were this time last year.
“While the risk of transmission at an outdoor event is much lower than in an indoor space, the virus can easily be passed on when people are close together,” said Professor Ivan Browne, Director of Public Health Services at Leicester City Council.
“That’s why we’re asking people to take a quick lateral flow test before attending a Bonfire Night event, just to make sure they’re not carrying the virus without realising it.
“We’re also asking people – from primary school age upwards – to test again on Sunday night, to make sure they’re not taking the virus into their school or workplace on Monday morning.
“To further reduce the risk of transmission at Bonfire Night, we’re also asking anyone with any cold or flu-like symptoms to stay at home, even if they’ve had a negative COVID test.
“Wearing a face covering whenever you’re in a crowded space – whether that’s indoors or outdoors – is a really good idea, and don’t forget that regular hand-washing is an important part of your COVID-19 defences."
Meanwhile, Covid-19 booster jabs will also be available to Bonfire Night ticket holders who are eligible.
Vaccinators from the Belgrave Pharmacy will be on site inside a mobile vaccination vehiclemarked between 5pm and 9pm vaccinating people aged 16 and above who are eligible for a flu or Covid jab.
Pfizer doses 1 and 2 will be available along with the booster jab. A 3rd primary dose will also be available but people will need to bring proof of their eligibility for this dose.
Professor Ivan Browne says "the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to make sure that you’re fully vaccinated against COVI9-19, so please get your jabs, if you haven’t already done so.
“With infection rates on the rise again, as we’d expect as we head into winter, it’s important that we all do what we can to reduce transmission. And if we follow these simple guidelines, Bonfire Night should be a great, and safe, family night out.”