The return of competitive sport has officially been given the green light by the Government - with horse racing leading the way with a 10-race card at Newcastle on Monday.
Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, announced during the daily briefing on Saturday: "The wait is over", before declaring that any sport will be permitted to go ahead from Monday as long as they can follow the detailed rules.
The news will come as a huge boost to sports fans following the months of inactivity amid the coronavirus crisis, although there will be a number of severe restrictions in place.
Among the rules set out by the Government, it says: "Social distancing should be maintained by all groups where possible", meaning physical celebrations between teammates will not be allowed.
In addition, further guidelines deem that it is required that:
- Everyone at the event - from athletes and staff to officials and media - must travel individually and by private transport
- Everyone going into a venue will be screened for coronavirus symptoms
- A one-way system will be laid down for the movement of people and vehicles around the venue
- Dressing-room usage should be kept to a minimum (although showers are allowed at a social distance)
- All non-essential activities must be limited
- Only essential physiotherapy treatment should be carried out
Dowden also confirmed that a third of the Premier League matches to finish the season will be free to view, including the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton.
The BBC will show Premier League football for the first time in its history, with the rest of the games divided between Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon Prime.
The first major sporting event set to take place after lockdown will be the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket next Saturday.
