UK government sponsors social distance-free nightclub event as COVID-19 test

The United Kingdom on Friday held a sponsored event that allowed nightclub patrons to mix and mingle without adhering to COVID-19 regulations, The Associated Press reported.

The event, held at a Liverpool warehouse, was one of a series of controlled pilot events sponsored by the government to evaluate the extent its safe to lessen coronavirus regulations.

The event allowed attendees to enjoy a true nightclub experience for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Researchers were on site to evaluate factors including air quality and movement within the venue as the 3,000 attendees milled about. All were tested for COVID-19 prior to the event, and will be tested afterward, the AP noted.

A second similar event will be held Saturday at an outdoor park, where 5,000 will be permitted to attend. The trial events will end on May 15, when 21,000 will be permitted to take in the the FA Cup soccer final at Wembley Stadium. 

Researchers will monitor the aftermath of these events, including if they lead to any significant COVID-19 outbreaks, and use the information gathered to make decisions on restrictions as the pandemic continues.

“We are doing everything we can to enable the reopening of our country so people can return to the events, travel and other things they love as safely as possible, and these reviews will play an important role in allowing this to happen,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said earlier this month, according to the AP. 

According to the U.K. Government’s website on coronavirus statistics, 48,748,962 vaccines have been given thus far.