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**Hugh** · 26-05-2020, 21:06

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/s...09a8e3d2fd34c0

Quote:

The British Grand Prix is set to be reprieved after Boris Johnson intervened personally to ensure that two Formula One races can go ahead at Silverstone this summer despite the 14-day coronavirus quarantine restrictions.

In a huge boost for British sports events, the prime minister has told cabinet ministers that they should work towards making sure that the double-header of races planned for July 26 and August 2 can happen behind closed doors.

There had been fears that the government’s decision not to give professional sport a blanket exemption from the quarantine, which affects travellers coming into the UK, would mean the races could not take place owing to the large number of personnel that would need to come in and out of Britain.

Whitehall insiders say that the door had been left open for sport to make a case-by-case appeal to obtain exemptions or work within the restrictions. It also makes it much more likely that West Indies and Pakistan cricket teams can tour England this summer and that future travel for Premier League teams for Champions League games can take place.

Johnson has told ministers to “make Formula One happen” and asked Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, to work with Matt Hancock, the health secretary, and Priti Patel, the home secretary, to make certain that the Formula One races take place.

The 14-day quarantine policy for nearly all travellers coming to Britain starts on June 8. Elite sportsmen and women are not on the exemption list but it is understood that the exemption list for quarantine restrictions is likely to be significantly expanded when it is reviewed after three weeks.

One advantage for major sporting events in gaining exemption is that access is already very tightly controlled and usually takes place in secure environments. As no fans will be attending the events, it means all the personnel involved will need to be accredited, which makes it much easier to control the number of people in the venue and where they can go.