No professional sport to begin in England before 1st June

The UK government has announced that no professional sport will be permitted in England, even behind closed doors, until 1st June 2020.

The government published a 50-page guidance document with details on how England will begin easing lockdown measures. It is expected that on the condition of falling coronavirus death and infection rates, the government may consider “permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact”.

It added that repopening venues to attract large crowds, such as sports grounds “may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections”.

The government has also now advised the public to wear face coverings on public transport and in some shops from Wednesday.