Question reference: S5W-33681
- Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 2 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 7 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline the scientific justification for its decision to not permit spectators, who would be situated outside and socially distanced from one another, at semi-professional football matches in areas subject to Level 3 restrictions.
Answer
We appreciate the impact on clubs and supporters, but our priority is to supress the virus and safeguard lives. Every human interaction is a potential bridge for the virus. Although outdoors is safer than indoors and small crowds safer than large, neither are risk free – which is why we are only permitting spectators at stadium events in lower risk level 0 and level 1 areas. The best way to get supporters back to sport is to reduce the prevalence of the virus.
This approach – based on advice from clinicians – takes into account a number of factors, including travel to and from venues and movement within grounds.