Culture Secretary announces agreements to allow selected sporting events and production on film and television to get underway safely.

A number of sports stars and their support teams, alongside international film and high-end television stars, directors and producers, will be exempt from quarantine – where they are essential to the event or production.

Sporting authorities, event organisers and the screen industry will need to follow Government covid secure guidance and put in place stringent protocols to ensure that they have a minimal impact on public health.

Exempted individuals will live and work in controlled “bubbled” environments behind closed doors.

The measures for sporting events in England mean that, international cricket, Champions League and Europa League football, the PGA British Masters Championship and the World Snooker Championships can take place. Other major darts, horse racing and other sporting events are also expected to follow.

Exemptions will be limited to those essential to staging these events, including the sports stars, event officials, coaches, medics, mechanics and incoming members of the media.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“I’m very pleased that we’ve agreed exemptions from border health measures for a limited number of athletes and events staff, which means the British summer of sport is back on.

“I am grateful to the sports governing bodies who have worked closely with us to put in place stringent protocols to ensure these events can go ahead safely.

“It will mean that fans of the British Grand Prix, international cricket and Champions League football can look forward to yet more sporting action on home soil - a further boost to our national recovery.”