Large events planned from now until September to be cancelled, following rise in Covid cases

All events planned for Government premises from now until September have been cancelled.

The Government has taken the decision following the rise in Covid-19 cases. Smaller events will still be able to go ahead with precautions put in place.

There are 22 new positive cases as at Thursday, bringing the Rock's active case load to 268.

With large events planned to take place in Government premises to be cancelled, Civil Contingencies and the Ministry of Culture plan to reach out to event organisers to explain the decision.

Smaller events that are seated and ticketed can still go ahead as long as those attending have been double vaccinated and can provide a negative Covid test result within the previous 24 hours.

No legal restrictions will be placed on catering establishment at the moment, however, the Government urges private bars, restaurants and nightclubs to be cautious by strictly controlling numbers, and making sure clients are double vaccinated and can provide a negative test result. It warns however, that legislation to control catering establishment operations could be introduced if cases continue to rise.

Government says it's saddened that it has to take this step but needs to respond to the rapid rise in cases, and in particular hospitalisations - of which, there are currently eight.

It says that though these measures are inconvenient and burdensome, it's important the community continues to work together to reduce the transmission of Covid-19.