Selected sports stars are to be exempt from quarantine requirements when competing in the UK, the culture secretary has announced.
The proviso is that those involved will instead live and work in “bubbled” environments behind closed doors, Oliver Dowden has said.
The new measures mean that – as far as the Government is concerned – Silverstone can stage planned grands prix on August 2 and 9, English football clubs can host European ties and the snooker World Championships can go ahead in Sheffield.
International cricketers are also now formally exempt, although individual special arrangements have already been made for the touring West Indies and Pakistan teams this summer.
Other people essential to the staging of events such as officials, coaches, medics, mechanics and incoming members of the media will also be permitted to travel without quarantine.
The announcement comes after negotiations between Government and sporting authorities.
Dowden said: “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.
“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.
“It will mean that fans of the British Grand Prix, international cricket and Champions League football can look forward to yet more sporting action on home soil – a further boost to our national recovery.”
The news is part of a wider announcement that also includes film and television production in the UK.
No other sporting events have yet been identified for exemption but it is promised that more will soon receive clearance, including events in darts and horse racing.
There had been suggestions these games could be moved to neutral venues but this increases the likelihood of European governing body UEFA allowing them to be played at home.
England begin a three-Test series against the West Indies next Wednesday, the British Masters at Close House starts on July 22 and the rearranged snooker World Championships begin on July 31.
