Elite sports competitions are allowed to restart as long as no spectators are present and protocols are followed.
MANCHESTER, England — Horse racing will be the first main sport to resume in England on Monday after the government approved the end of the 11-week shutdown of events if there are no spectators and coronavirus protocols are followed.
Jockeys will wear masks and medical checks will be required on arrival and before leaving the course in the northeast city of Newcastle, where 10 races are planned.
The guidance that allows elite sports competitions to restart from Monday was published by the government on Saturday as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions that were imposed in March are eased further. Snooker and greyhound racing events have also been lined up for Monday.
“The wait is over,” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said. “Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments.”
It paves the way for the planned June 17 return of the Premier League, the world’s richest soccer competition.
“There is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said.
The government announcement allows English cricket authorities to plan for international series against West Indies and Pakistan. Formula One is also exploring two races at Silverstone from July, with the season yet to start due to the pandemic.
