As Oasis continue their much-anticipated reunion tour around the UK, fans are now being warned of the potential of catching Covid at the gigs, prompting safety measures
Oasis’ sold-out Wembley reunion shows have been slapped with a Covid superspreader warning.
The swarms of fans attending Noel and Liam’s packed gigs were hit with the alert as part of a public notice put up by the makers of an upcoming documentary on the band’s comeback shows. Film studio bosses included a warning about the dangers of catching Covid in a sign that also revealed the working title of the film is What’s The Story.
Fans entering Wembley were met with a sign saying by attending the gigs they are giving their agreement to be filmed for the upcoming film. One of the signs said: “Please be advised that filming is taking place in this area in connection with the production of a film provisionally entitled ‘WHAT’S THE STORY’ (Film.)”
Along with further terms and conditions about image rights and filming, the notice also ominously warned: “You acknowledge the contagious and potentially dangerous nature of the Coronavirus /COVID-19 (Covid) and that the government and many public health authorities recommend practising social distancing. You acknowledge that there remains the possibility that by entering this area you may come into direct or indirect contact with Covid and you freely and willingly enter this area notwithstanding this knowledge.”
The note concluded: “If you do not wish to be photographed, recorded, or appear under these conditions, you should leave this area immediately. Thank you for your co-operation.” Experts have also told the Daily Star touchy-feely Oasis fans are being warned not to hug each other while boozed-up at the gigs.
Hundreds of thousands of the group’s overjoyed fans have been packing together and embracing each other while revelling in the Gallagher brothers’ group’s first sold-out reunion gigs in Cardiff and Manchester. But experts have put a downer on them by saying they are in danger of putting them at the centre of major Covid outbreaks.
Akash Sood from Knightswood Pharmacy, owned by his company DS Pharm Ltd, believes while fans should enjoy the reunion of one of the UK’s most well-loved bands, it’s key crowds should also take pandemic-style safety precautions. He added it was especially important to take care if they have pre-existing medical conditions that could make catching Covid deadly.
He said: “While Oasis mania has spread across the country, it’s important that safety precautions are followed. It’s expected that many people will be under the influence of alcohol and as such may be overly friendly at the gigs.
“It is important to try and stay safe from others who try to embrace you during the concert. Coughs, Covid and flu are all on the rise and if you have a pre-existing medical condition then it’s advised you take care and mask up to protect yourself.
“While it is not pandemic levels any longer, Covid is still very active across the UK and just as Oasis fans travel across the country so too does Covid. It is clear that concerts such as this one can quickly become super spreader events with over 400,000 expected to attend the gigs in Manchester alone.
“New strands of Covid can infect thousands within metres of one another, so wear a mask if concerned, be safe and enjoy the return of Oasis.” It comes as Oasis have had Wembley stadium heaving since last Friday, with around 90,000 fans packing the venue for every night of their comeback shows.
Latest government figures show Covid cases are rising. In the week up to July 16 there were 1,081 new reports of people contracting the disease and in the week up to July 11, a total of 55 people were killed by the virus; as of the end of June, there were 737 patients receiving treatment for Covid in hospitals.
When asked if the Oasis gigs had the potential to cause similar disasters, the UK Health Security Agency said it did not want to comment on “particular events”. The Daily Star has been passed accounts of fans coming down with Covid after around 150,000 of them packed the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, to see Noel and Liam Gallagher perform their first two reunion shows on July 4 and 5.
A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said they were unable to comment when asked if it had logged an uptick in Covid cases in the wake of the gigs. The United Kingdom Crowd Management Association told the Star huge events such as the Oasis gigs and Glastonbury Festival “can carry transmission potential”.
It stressed “well-managed outdoor concerts typically pose lower risk” when it comes to catching Covid, especially when organisers and attendees adopt precautions. Chair of the UKCMA, Anne Marie Chebib told the Star: “While there are currently no credible links to COVID‑19 transmission at the Oasis concerts in Cardiff, evidence from the UK Events Research Programme highlights that most well-managed event, particularly indoor seated or outdoor seated gatherings, did not lead to increased transmission.
“However, attendance at mainly outdoor, unstructured multi‑day events was associated with a 70% higher risk of infection compared to baseline periods. This contrast underscores the importance of proportionate safety measures, such as crowd management, hygiene facilities, adequate ventilation, and pre-event testing, to help reduce transmission without unnecessarily impacting the attendee experience.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
