Crowds to return to stadiums but it's bad news for Doncaster Rovers fans

Crowds WILL be allowed to return to stadiums at the end of lockdown but there is bad news for Doncaster Rovers supporters.
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The Prime Minister has confirmed a limited number of fans will be permitted to enter grounds, with capacities determined by the Covid-19 alert tier in the area where the stadium is located.

And it is on that measurement where the disappointment will come for fans of Rovers - with Doncaster still finding itself in Tier 3.

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Should an area be classified in the top tier of the Covid alert system, crowds will be barred entirely at any event.

Doncaster Rovers fansDoncaster Rovers fans
Doncaster Rovers fans

In Tier 1 areas, crowds of up to 4,000 will be permitted, dropping to 2,000 for Tier 2 areas. In both, crowds will pass no more than 50 per cent of the usual capacity, with strict social distancing measures in place.

MPs are set to vote on the proposals later in the week.

Prior to the current national lockdown, Doncaster and the rest of South Yorkshire had been placed into the highest level, Tier 3.

For an area to be placed in Tier 1, the rate of infection needs to be below 100 in every 100,000 head of population. Tier 2 is activated after that measurement is breached with Tier 3 coming if efforts to reduce the rate of infection are not working.

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In the week up to November 16, Doncaster saw 315 cases per 100,000 head of population, though the number of daily cases continues to decrease.

"In tiers one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing," Johnson told the House of Commons.

"Later this week, we will announce which areas will fall into which tier - I hope on Thursday - based on analysis of cases in all age groups, especially the over-60s.

"Also, [it will involve] looking at the rate at which cases are rising or falling, the percentage of those tested in a local population who have Covid and current and projected pressures on the NHS."

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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden described the announcement as "a big step forward for fans as we work towards fuller capacities".

"Thanks to pilot hosts and fans for showing this can be done safely," he added on social media.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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