social distancing for spectators

[mistral]

A lot of work has gone into ensuring the Club comply with covid-19 restrictions it would be helpful to know how 600 supporters can socially distance.  Will there be markers on the ground etc.  Also I notice the guidelines state supporters should be encouraged to wear face coverings which is very 'wishy washy'  I think it would be helpful if the Club made wearing a face covering a condition of entry.  I know if I had to make the choice of seeing or not seeing a game dependent on wearing a face covering  it would be a very easy decision &  a minor inconvenience to put up with. I desperately want to see a game but in view of age etc would like to be confident that it is as safe as can reasonably be expected. 

[Rattlesnake]

I'm completely confused by the rules. Is it now a maximum of 600 spectators? It was maximum of 30% of ground capacity at one stage.

I'm having serious doubts now about going to Horsham next week having bought a ticket. I assume they're being allowed a maximum of 600 spectators in a ground which only holds 1,300 - that's over 45% of capacity if it's a sell-out. Must be a considerably greater Covid risk than at other venues in our division. They had 509 there this Tuesday.

[paul]

I seem to recall that the rule is 30% of the minimum capacity for the Isthmian Premier which works out at 600. I suspect the listed capacity for Horsham is incorrect - no club would build themselves a new stadium with a capacity lower than is required for the league they are playing in!
Re: social distancing in general, I echo the post on another thread, having been to Bishops Stortford, it seemed remarkably well organised, everyone I saw was being very sensible, there was ample space to move into if you felt uncomfortable for any reason and, being in the open air, the risk of transmission is, I believe, about 19 times lower than an indoor setting so it felt no more ‘dangerous’ than walking down the street or visiting a park. Re: masks, I think I’m right in saying there is no current guidance relating to them being mandatory outdoors in any situation so I’d be surprised if they suddenly became required at non league football matches.

[mistral]

That's very encouraging Paul the question of masks is contained in the club risk assessment where it states that supporters should be encouraged to wear face coverings I guess that is because any shouting, cheering or chanting etc projects droplets several metres which is of course different to walking in a shopping area. Things will no doubt be clearer when the first home game is held and we can see how possible it is to cater for 600 safely spread out.

[Rattlesnake]

Just to clarify my earlier point, Horsham's secretary has replied to an email I sent tonight, confirming their ground's capacity was increased to 1,980 in order to gain promotion to our division.