ONE of Scotland’s leading public health experts has said she is “worried” about the Covid risks of the Euro 2020 fanzone in Glasgow, especially without mandatory testing.
Professor Linda Bauld warned that, despite lots of outdoor seating, “alcohol inhibition” and fans' excitement, meant there would inevitably be close contact, risking coronavirus spread.
National clinical director Jason Leith said on Saturday that SNP ministers had yet to decide whether to allow the sell-out fanzones to start at Glasgow Green from Friday.
The Scottish Government, which has so far ruled out mandatory Covid testing for ticketholders, is due to make a statement on Tuesday.
The current plan is for up to 3000 people in afternoon sessions and 3000 in the evenings to watch Euro 2020 games on big screens, subject to social distancing.
However Prof Bauld, chair of public health at Edinburgh University, said the presence of booze and the nature of the event meant social distancing would break down.
She told BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show: “I’m worried.
"I completely understand the importance of the Euros. Let’s face it, everybody wants to celebrate. This is a fantastic opportunity for Scotland.
“Most of this event is outdoors, most of it is seated, I’ve had a good look at the website and the details, and you can see that it would be managed.
“But the reason the beer garden is a concern is obviously alcohol inhibition.
“If there’s lots of watching matches, people are cheering and hugging and embracing. Even if they’re outside, there are risks.”
READ MORE: Covid measures for Glasgow Euro 2020 fan zone still 'under consideration'
She said the fanzone ought to copy the Events Research Programme in England, where thousands of people were able to attend music and sporting events, but only if could provide a negative Covid test.
She said: “So my personal view, I would have appreciated if it might have been run a bit like the Events Research Programme.
“You remember the festival in England in Liverpool, where people had to demonstrate a negative test before they went in. But it doesn’t sound like that is being set up.
“So the decision will be taken this week, but it is not without its risks, and that is absolutely the case.”
The Scottish licensed trade has also warned the fanzone could lead to a surge in virus cases, leading to a return to tougher lockdown restrictions, hammering businesses.
Ms Sturgeon was asked last week if it she might exclude alcohol from the fanzone and failed to give a direct answer, suggesting the option is under consideration.
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