UK's 'With Corona' Policy Leads to Large-Scale Outbreak After Festival Proceeded... "Actually Beneficial"

Cornwall City Council Claims "Infection Cases Are Not Serious"

Photo by Boardmasters Festival Official SNS Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As the UK is implementing a 'with COVID' policy to live alongside COVID-19, a cluster infection occurred related to the recently held 'Boardmasters' festival.

BBC, The Guardian, and others reported on the 23rd (local time) that about 5,000 new COVID-19 cases in the UK were linked to the Boardmasters festival held in Newquay, Cornwall from the 11th to the 15th. The Guardian explained, "4,700 people who tested positive for COVID-19 were confirmed to be connected to the festival held in Cornwall," adding, "About three-quarters of the infected are aged 16 to 21, and around 800 are residents of the Cornwall area."

'Boardmasters' is a music festival held every summer in Newquay, Cornwall, UK, featuring live music performances, surfing and skate contests, and camping. Earlier, the Cornwall City Council considered canceling the festival due to the spread of COVID-19, but ultimately proceeded with the event following the UK government's 'with COVID' policy.

It is reported that about 50,000 people attended the festival this year.

The festival organizers confirmed 'negative COVID-19 test results' through the UK National Health Service (NHS) COVID-19 app for attendees and recommended mask-wearing, although it was not mandatory.

However, a cluster infection occurred, and the infection routes are unclear. Ruth Goldstein, Director of Public Health for Cornwall, said, "We do not know whether the confirmed cases attended events on the beach during the festival, parties organized by Boardmasters, or camping."

Meanwhile, the Cornwall City Council evaluated the festival's outcome positively, stating that the current infection cases are "not serious."

Andy Burr, an advisor to Cornwall City Council and an emergency physician, told the BBC, "We expected COVID-19 cases originating from Boardmasters," but "although the possibility of canceling the festival was discussed in the council, we gained many benefits by holding the festival."

He added, "COVID-19 will continue to have a significant impact on people, including mental health issues such as loneliness and isolation," and "this festival brought joy to many people."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.