UK tightens restrictions as no fans allowed at sports pilot events

Spectators will not be allowed to attend pilot sports events for at least two weeks due to a spike in COVID-19 infection rates, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday putting a halt on plans to return to some kind of sporting normality.

"Pilots of larger crowds at sports venues will not take place," Johnson said at a news conference. "I said from May we would not hesitate to put on the brakes at the slightest sign that the numbers were going in the wrong direction."

The new restrictions on fans will be enforced at least until August 15.

The government had decided earlier to allow spectators at carefully selected trial events from late July to early August to 'stress test' new guidelines on a return to regular live sport.

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