British govt allows selected sporting events to exempt from quarantine

LONDON - The British government has allowed some sporting events to exempt from quarantine in England, giving the green light for the return of F1, snooker, golf and international football competitions.

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. Besides, exempted individuals will live and work in controlled "bubbled" environments behind closed doors.

"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," said British Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden on Sunday.

"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."

The measures mean that Silverstone will be able to stage F1 Grand Prix races on August 2 and 9. Champions League and Europa League football, the PGA British Masters Championship and the World Snooker Championships are also given the green light to take place.

At the moment, most travelers must take 14 days' self-isolation once entering the UK. But from July 10, people arriving in England from areas on the "corridor list" won't be required to self-isolation.