St Ledger Festival Begins Today Despite Coronavirus Fears

Doncatster Council expressed it’s fears after the government gave the green light for the St Ledger Festival 2020 to go ahead. This is an elite sports pilot as they reintroduce spectators back. The festival is  the largest horseracing pilot event in the country.The local council have stipulated all required tests and event planning requirements have been met for event which runs from today 9^th September to the 12^th.

‘Critical Incident’

Earlier this month, Doncaster Council declared it a ‘critical incident’ and have pulled together as many resources as possible including the police, NHS and Public Health England to ensure all safety aspects are covered. They wanted assurance that correct planning procedures are in place to make the four day event as safe as possible for everyone involved with the festival along with spectators.Director of Public Health for Doncaster, Dr Robert Suckling compiled a ten step test to be carried out in relation to events such as these going ahead, these include,

• No rise in the cases around Doncaster before the event commences.
• All Coronavirus safety measures are met
• Closely monitoring the event including spectator’s onsite, risk from cheering as a spreader and wearing of face coverings
• Transport to and from the event
• No entry for spectators from an area where Coronavirus restrictions are in place
• Track and Trace is set up correctly to manage data of spectators
• Correct data is available to monitor who is attending the event and plan for their arrival before the event
• Closely monitoring the event per day, incase the need arises to change the present rules the following day
• Questionnaires for attendees regarding their health after the event for government feedback on future events
• Critical incidents risks accessed in managing gatherings and public disorder within the borough.

He went o to say,“ I appreciate this decision is one that will divide people in Doncaster and maybe further afield given the strength of feeling on both sides of this debate. However, from a public health perspective, I insisted on stringent tests being met before I could be assured and confident that the event should proceed with spectators. I am now assured and satisfied that the racecourse, which has been positively working with us and other partners in the borough, has put the required measures in place to ensure the festival can be as safe as possible. I will be monitoring the situation on a daily basis and will take necessary action.”The Doncaster St Ledger 4 day Festival commences today and will be broadcast live on ITV.