Rapid Covid-19 tests could be the key to reopening theatres

Boris Johnson says lateral flow testing will be the key to eventually reopening the UK’s theatres and nightclubs.

Describing them as the ‘toughest nuts to crack’, the PM flagged up the quick turnaround Covid checks as a way to allow people to return to entertainment venues.

He highlighted that those places – together with other venues – had not been able to reopen last year under coronavirus restrictions.

But Mr Johnson offered hope for the stricken sector when he said mass vaccination – in combination with rapid testing – could help it reopen.

Describing them as the ‘toughest nuts to crack’, the PM flagged up the quick turnaround Covid checks as a way to allow people to return to entertainment venues. Pictured, the Lyric and Apollo Theatres last July

It came amid claims last night that ministers are considering rapid coronavirus testing for the entire entertainment industry to allow mass gatherings to resume later this year.

Ministers are considering plans for ‘test with a ticket’, with customers offered a quick turnround test as part of attending a concert or performance.

‘Those kind of things can really help us open up things with bigger numbers, where social distancing affects their ability to operate in an economic way,’ a source told the FT.

At yesterday’s Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson said: ‘I think we’ll look at everything. But what we’re thinking at the moment is more of a route that relies on mass vaccination.

‘And as you know, we intend to vaccinate all the adults in the country by the autumn.

‘Plus, lateral flow testing, rapid testing, for those bits which are the toughest nuts to crack, such as nightclubs, theatres, or those parts of the economy that we couldn’t get open last year. I think that will be the route that we go down.’

He added: ‘We’re already seeing lots of businesses using the potential of rapid on-the-day testing as well.’ 

Playwright James Graham said: ‘We’re coming to the anniversary of most theatres being closed for a year. I’m sure the 250,000 people who work in them would take any chance of opening as soon as possible.’

At yesterday’s Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson said: ‘I think we’ll look at everything. But what we’re thinking at the moment is more of a route that relies on mass vaccination.’ Pictured, the Garrick Theatre in London last year

However, Mr Graham added: ‘The Government needs to trust theatre owners who spent the summer and autumn last year Covid-proofing their venues with socially-distanced seating, temperature checks, QR check- ins, spending hundreds of thousands of pounds to be able to perform safely in a pandemic.

‘They are as safe or safer than shops or hairdressers or pubs and can play a vital role as community hubs to draw people back into town centres.’

A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport source said: ‘We’ve been considering using the tests to open up venues and we’re looking at other things like one-way systems… but it is early days.’

The source added: ‘None of these things is perfect but using lateral flow tests could knock out a few people who have it and minimise risk.’