More than 1,000 people who attended the Latitude Festival in Britain last month have tested positive for Covid-19, according to reports.
The festival, which ran from July 22nd to 25th, was part of the UK government’s Events Research Programme and was attended by around 40,000 people.
Attendees had to show proof of a negative Covid test or be fully vaccinated to access the site at Henham Park in Suffolk.
However, data released by Suffolk county council reportedly shows 1,051 people tested positive for Covid in the days after the event.
It also shows that 619 people got infected at Latitude, while 432 would have been infectious at the time of the event. Of those, 175 were people living in the county.
Director of Suffolk Public Health Stuart Keeble said: "Latitude Festival was part of an event research pilot by central government, which set the parameters and Covid guidance for the event.
“We were one of many partners who helped implement Covid-security in line with Government advice.”
Mr Keeble added: “As Suffolk reopens once again and people attend busy events or attractions, it’s important that people continue to be considerate of others and wear a mask or keep their distance where appropriate.
“Covid is still circulating in the county and whilst the majority of us are double jabbed, we cannot be sure that those people around us won’t become very unwell if they catch it.”
Headliners Wolf Alice, The Chemical Brothers, Bastille and Bombay Bicycle Club performed at the event.
Test events
Other test events by the UK government were the Euro 2020 semi-finals and final at Wembley and the Tramlines music festival in Sheffield.
UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: "We've shown that we can reintroduce mass sports and cultural events safely but it is important that people remain cautious when mixing in very crowded settings.
“So that we can keep the football season, theatres and gigs safe with full crowds this winter, I urge sport, music and culture fans to get the vaccine as this is the safest way we can get big events firing on all cylinders once more.”
It comes after health officials said they were investigating 4,700 cases of Covid which are suspected to be linked to the Boardmasters festival, which took place nearly two weeks ago in Cornwall.
The cases are spread across the country but around 800 are living in the county, a council official has confirmed.– PA