RCA will work with govt over coronavirus contingency plans

LONDON: The Racecourse Association is anticipating a “significant logistical operation” after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced full Covid vaccination will be a requirement for entry to “venues where large crowds gather” from October.

The Prime Minister was speaking on “Freedom Day” as previous coronavirus restrictions come to an end in England – permitting the return of full crowds to racecourses and other major venues for the first time since March 2020.

However, he spelled out that a new regulation will come into force this autumn when proof of double vaccination against coronavirus will be needed for admission to “nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather”.

Mr Johnson said: “I should serve notice now that by the end of September, when all over 18s will have had the chance to be double jabbed, we are planning to make

full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather.

“Proof of a negative test will no longer be sufficient.”The RCA will seek further clarification of detailed plans but has issued a statement confirming the intention to work with government on necessary contingency plans.

It read: “The RCA notes today’s announcement from the Prime Minister that as of October 1 2021, the Covid Pass is to be made mandatory for certain events in England.

“We welcome the fact that this inception date will allow all British adults to have the option of being double vaccinated.

“While we all sincerely hope the days of Covid restrictions are behind us, it is vital that horseracing and the wider sports/leisure economies have contingency plans to avoid commercially damaging restrictions being re-imposed but equally allow us to host safe events.

“Our immediate attention now turns to working with government, stakeholder partners and member racecourses to understand the detail behind this plan and map out what will be a significant logistical operation.”

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England schedule Tonga match in November

Ag PA

LONDON: Tonga will complete England’s line-up of opponents for the autumn series at Twickenham.

The Pacific Islanders will launch the schedule on November 6 before Australia and South Africa then face Eddie Jones’ men on successive weekends.

England’s most recent meeting with Tonga was a 35-3 victory in the group stage of the 2019 World Cup.

“This match will continue our rivalry from the World Cup where we had a good, tough game against them,” Jones said.

England finished this year’s Six Nations in fifth place, but swept aside the United States and Canada earlier this month. The Rugby Football Union is to make a donation to Tonga Rugby as a goodwill gesture.