The increase in infections in the United Kingdom appears increasingly alarming but despite this today Wembley is ready to welcome 60 thousand fans for the final of Euro 2020. A decision much criticized considering that in recent days Covid cases grew by 30%, under the infectious push of the Delta variant.
The rise in hospital admissions appears to be clear, up by as much as 56%. Numbers that are worrying, but destined not to change the organizational machine in view of the Wembley final. Although there are those – like Paul Elliott, professor of epidemiology at Imperial College London – who are convinced that the final act of the European Championship risks turning into an explosion of infections, like (or even worse) than Atalanta-Valencia of February 2020.
“Our tests, conducted in Scotland, have shown how large indoor events, and those where close contacts are inevitable, favor the transmission of the virus – Professor Paul Elliott told ANSA -. It is certainly possible that afterwards the final is witnessing an increase in infections, especially among young males, who mostly attend football matches “. Tomorrow evening, in the London stadium, up to 60 thousand spectators are expected, 75% of the maximum capacity, as already on the occasion of the two European semi-finals. The entrances will be reserved for those already fully vaccinated for at least two weeks, or in possession of the negative result of an antigenic swab carried out in the previous 48 hours. Regulations are appropriate, but not sufficient, says Stephen Reicher, a member of a scientific committee monitoring the pandemic.
“One of the problems right now is that the government’s message seems to suggest that it is all over now; that you can freely decide whether to wear the mask or not. It is obviously something we would never say, because now is the time to insist. Especially as far as vaccines are concerned, they are crucial, important. And in overcrowded spaces, you have to continue to wear a mask. “Not only in the stadium, but also in pubs, in front of big screens, or in fan areas where fans will gather to watch the final on TV. Or on public transport, used to reach Wembley. It is no coincidence – underlines Professor Elliott – that London is one of the epicenters of the new pandemic wave, as confirmed by Scotland Yard’s appeal for fans without tickets not to go to the capital.
“This week’s data indicate that we are in the midst of a rapid growth in the spread of the virus – added Elliott -, which has increased by as much as 400% compared to the findings of early June. And the highest growth was in London,” where it reached more than 1% of the population “. Nonetheless, since Monday 19 July the government has confirmed the end of the latest restrictive measures as well. A risky decision, reports Elliott: “For what the hell of a reason did we change our strategy? From the vaccination plan we went to free all, to achieve herd immunity through the circulation of the virus. It seems very strange to me, when we were so close to having vaccinated the entire population “.
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