What is the Events Research Programme (ERP)?

The government’s publication of 22 February, ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, describes plans to explore when and how events with larger crowd sizes, less social distancing, or in settings where transmission is more likely, will be able to return safely.

The government’s Events Research Programme (ERP) will oversee this work, bringing findings from across different settings and different sectors to determine a consistent approach to lifting restrictions on events to inform Step 4 of the roadmap from 19 July.

The Events Research Programme will use pilot events incorporating research studies in April, May, June and July 2021 to build evidence on the risks associated with coronavirus transmission, the characteristics of events and surrounding activities, and the extent to which mitigation measures can effectively address these risks. The evidence from these studies will be used to inform the government’s decision around Step 4 of the roadmap and will shape government policy to bring about the phased return of fuller audiences to venues and events up and down England.

Self-controlled case series study

The self-controlled case series study aims to measure the risk of COVID-19 infection associated with attendance at an Events Research Programme event, with each person acting as their own control. Inclusion in the study is conditional on an individual having both attended an ERP event and subsequently testing positive for COVID-19.

Only this group of people will be included in the analysis. The rate of positive testing for COVID-19 will be compared between the 7 day high risk period following attendance at an event with the subsequent 7 day period when infection risk is assumed to be unaffected by attendance at the event.

The study is based on analysing the records of attendees who subsequently request a test from Test and Trace. The PCR test request form asks if you have participated in an ERP event, therefore attendees requesting a test will be flagged. The ERP is a programme designed to better understand and evidence how to safely reopen events. The self-controlled case series study is conducted alongside other research studies to support the objectives of the ERP.

How is this match exempt from current COVID-19 restrictions?

The Secretary of State has the power to designate an event as being permitted for research purposes and therefore not subject to the legal restrictions which would apply to other events under Step 3 of the government’s roadmap.

The Royal London International between England and Pakistan, being held at Edgbaston Stadium, is going ahead as a Pilot Event as part of the Events Research Programme.

Will I get a refund if play ends early?

For days 1 to 4 of the Test match, if play is restricted, you will be entitled to a refund of only the match ticket value subject to there being: (a) non admittance of spectators OR zero to 15 overs played – a full refund; (b) 15.1 overs to 30 overs played – a 50% refund.

All ticket holders will be refunded automatically back to their original payment method.

Can under-16s attend this fixture?

Yes. As part of the Events Research Programme regulations for this fixture, under-16s will be able to attend the Royal London International (ODI) between England and Pakistan on Tuesday 13 July.

Please note that proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test result only applies to spectators aged 11 and over.

What are the testing requirements?

By attending the fixture, you consent to taking part in COVID-19 testing, as part of the ERP and this takes the form of two testing methods.

Firstly, all spectators must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test on entry (via email or SMS). Please order your home test kit via the gov.uk website. The negative test must be conducted within 24 hours of the day you are attending.

Failure to provide a negative NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test result will mean entry to the venue is refused.

Secondly, to aid the research, you are also requested to undertake a PCR at home test as close as possible to the event day and again five days after attendance at the event. Using the home address information provided in the Consent Form all for attendees, you will be sent a home testing kit directly which will contain two PCR tests.

The PCR test is not mandatory for entry, but helps support the ERP research.

Full details about the PCR test will be sent to you in the post.

If I’m feeling unwell, can I still attend this match?

If you are unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms, we advise that you stay at home.

You are responsible for your own health. You should act in ways that protect your health and the health of others and avoid acting in a way that might risk the health of others at the stadium.

We advise that you do not attend if you have any COVID-19 symptoms:

  • Temperature of 37.8 degrees or above
  • New continuous cough
  • Loss of sense of taste/smell
  • Any other COVID-19 symptoms officially recognised

Will social distancing be in place for the Test Match?

You will be asked to maintain social distancing while queueing to enter Edgbaston.

Once you are inside Edgbaston’s grounds, social distancing is no longer required – except for in hospitality areas.

Will I need to wear a face covering?

Yes. Spectators will be required to wear a face covering on arrival and when moving around the stadium. You may remove your face covering when in your seat or eating and drinking.

Please remember to pack a face covering before you leave.

Will food and drink be available to purchase on the day?

Yes, food and drink, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, will be available around the stadium for spectators. Availability will vary depending on fixture.

Spectators can order food and drink for Click & Collect from their seat using the Edgbaston app, available from selected bars on selected match days. To order, simply download the Edgbaston app on iOS or Android and visit the Shop section.

Spectators are allowed and encouraged to bring their own food and drink into the stadium, but no alcohol or glass bottles are allowed at International, The Hundred or Vitality Blast fixtures.

Can I bring food and drink into the ground?

Yes, spectators can bring in their own food and drink subject to the following restrictions:

 

Vitality County Championship and One Day Cup

Spectators are allowed to bring their own food and drink into the stadium, excluding glass bottles.

We ask that you avoid bringing in large bags, if at all possible.

 

International, Vitality Blast Finals Day, Vitality Blast and The Hundred

No alcohol is allowed into the ground for international matches, Vitality Blast Finals Day, Vitality Blast and The Hundred.

As you would expect, we will have a thorough safety and security operation in place when you arrive and bags will be searched. Please avoid bringing bags, if at all possible.

There are some items you can’t bring into the ground;

  • No alcohol.
  • No glass bottles.
  • Spectators can bring in their own food and drink subject to the above restrictions.
  • No fireworks or flares.
  • No weapons, firearms or any other items considered dangerous.
  • Flags, Banners, or other signs that are offensive, racist, or commercially or politically motivated.
  • No instruments, whistles or horns, unless agreed in advance.

This policy helps to ensure the safety and comfort of spectators in attendance at Edgbaston on our busier match days.

If I don’t have a smartphone, how do I get access to my tickets?

If you don’t have a smartphone, the lead booker can print your tickets at home via their online account. Log-in online and click the print button on the tickets you wish to print.

You can log-in to your online account here

Please make sure all members of your booking have signed our consent form before attending this fixture.

Is fancy dress allowed?

Yes, spectators are allowed to wear fancy dress for this fixture.

Any spectators wearing fancy dress costumes that are deemed to be inappropriate or offensive by our stewards will not be allowed entry to the stadium.

We ask those who wish to wear fancy dress, and all spectators, to behave responsibly and follow all match guidelines, such as wearing a face mask while moving around the stadium.

Will spectators require any form of testing and COVID verification in order to enter the venue

Entry to Edgbaston on each day of the LV= Insurance Test Match will be dependent on providing evidence of a negative NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test result (via email or SMS), and the test must be taken no more than 24 hours before the day you are attending.

 

Will spectators have to pay for NHS Lateral Flow Tests?

No. NHS Lateral Flow Tests are free to order online via the gov.uk website.

Attendees are required to order their own test kits. You can order them via the gov.uk website for free here or pick up your home test kit from your local pharmacy (England only).

Your pack will include seven tests and instructions on how to take the test and record it online.

For instructions on how to take your Lateral Flow Test, click here.

Reporting your LFT results: Once the Rapid LFT has been taken, you MUST report the test result online within 24 hours of completing the test online here.

How do participants prove they have had a Lateral Flow test?

Once completing a NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test within 24 hours before the day you are attending, all spectators must log their negative result via the gov.uk website.

You will then receive a text or email from NHS Test & Trace which you will need to present to the stewards at Edgbaston prior to entry.

What are the requirements for PCR testing at home?

To aid the research, spectators are also requested to undertake a PCR at home test as close as possible to their attendance at the event and again five days after attendance.

Using the home address information provided when you completed your consent form, you will be sent a home testing kit directly which will contain 2 PCR tests. Entry to Edgbaston is not dependent on a PCR test being taken. The PCR test will be used for the research programme to better inform future testing regimes and is a voluntary step.

Full ‘COVID-19 Home Test Instructions’ are contained within the pack that comes with the PCR test. However, further information regarding this, including useful videos, can be found by using this link.

What do I do if my PCR kit does not arrive to my home before my attendance?

If you do not receive your PCR home test kit prior to your visit to Edgbaston, simply go online to the gov.uk website and order another one and take it as close as possible to your day of attendance or 5 days after as applicable.

Do I still need to get tested if I have had two doses of the vaccine?

If you have had both COVID-19 vaccinations, with the second dose being received within 14 days of this fixture, then you are not required to conduct a NHS Rapid Flow Test. Instead, we will be required to present a COVID Pass upon entry as evidence of your vaccinations.

You can do this by downloading the NHS App. This will allow you to show your vaccination status. Alternatively, you can download and print a copy of your status using the NHS website here.

Please note that if you have currently only had one dose of the vaccine, or your second dose was less than 14 days before the fixture, then you will have to present a negative NHS Rapid Flow Test result to gain entry to Edgbaston.

What should participants do if they get a positive result from a Lateral Flow Test? 

A positive result from a Lateral Flow Device means it’s likely that a participant had coronavirus when the test was done. Participants and anyone they live with must not attend the event and self-isolate immediately.

Participants are then advised to get a home PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to confirm their result as soon as possible.

There is not a priority postbox near me, can I post in a normal postbox?

No. You need to use one of the 35,000 Royal Mail priority postboxes, or arrange a free home collection by calling 119 (free from mobiles and landlines) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Or in Scotland call 0300 303 2713 (charged at your standard network rate).

You can find your nearest priority postbox by clicking here.