Enjoy the Euro 2020 semi-finals safely

Fans are being urged to enjoy the Euro 2020 semi-finals safely – including England’s massive game with Denmark tomorrow (Wednesday) – amid rapidly rising Covid-19 infection rates in Wolverhampton.

Latest figures show there were 203.1 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the seven days to 4 July. That means 534 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Covid-19 is spreading rapidly, and while the rollout of the vaccine is helping to keep hospitalisations low, we must carry on doing everything we can to stop the transmission of the virus.

"So if you are planning on meeting up with others this week, either to watch the Euro 2020 semi-finals or for any other sort of get together, please exercise caution.

“Follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance, limit your contact with others and don’t forget to take a free rapid test beforehand to reassure yourself, and the people you are meeting with, that you don't have Covid-19."

Rules remain in place limiting the number of people who can mix indoors – up to six individuals, or two households. Pubs, bars and restaurants must operate within capacity limits, venues must only offer table service and customers should wear a face covering except when seated at a table to eat or drink, unless they are exempt for medical reasons.

Supt Simon Inglis of Wolverhampton Police said: “I would like to thank the community for all of their positive actions over the last few weeks, especially during the England games. We have seen very little disorder and high levels of compliance with the restrictions around distancing and the wearing of face coverings. Our ask is for this to continue please in order that we can keep pubs and restaurants open and people can enjoy the nightlife – and hopefully the football – in the safest way possible.

“It would be a shame to lose this really positive momentum now that we are so close to the restrictions being lifted. If pubs don’t ensure compliance with the rules they could face fines or possible closure – something we do not want to see.

“So please, continue to enjoy the football and the nightlife in the way you have been doing so far and hopefully you, the local economy and the England football team will all be cheering come Sunday night.”

Further details about the Covid-19 measures currently in place, plus frequently asked questions and answers, are available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidalert.