Football fans who are returning to stadiums have been warned to guard against Covid-19 as the Premier League season kicks off.
Public Health England advises fans to arrive early, avoid crowds and wear masks in enclosed spaces.
The latest national infection data shows case rates remain high – one in 75 people in England has the virus.
However, the Office for National Statistics random swab testing data did appear to confirm the July 19 easing did not result in a surge in cases.
Stadiums will have no social distancing and capacity crowds are allowed.
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Brentford’s first Premier League season began tonight against Arsenal, which is among clubs who have told fans that stewards will be doing spot checks.
Supporters may need to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative lateral flow test.
Chelsea are the first club to say this will be required from every fan who attends Stamford Bridge.
PHE medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle cautioned: “Covid-19 has not gone away and there are a few things we can all do to reduce the risk.”
The Premier League will attract nearly 400,000 fans this weekend, with many more gathering at pubs and bars.
England’s cricketers face India at Lord’s and the Edinburgh Fringe – the world’s largest arts festival – will welcome tens of thousands of people.
Sage adviser Prof Graham Medley said: “Every weekend over the next few months is going to be seen as a test. I expect incidence of infection will start to increase.”
Yesterday, there were 32,700 more confirmed Covid cases reported in the UK and a further 100 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
Dr Simon Clarke, of Reading University, warned: “High case numbers still place an unnecessary burden on the NHS.”
