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Manchester tech firm behind pilot scheme that could see fans' safe return to stadiums

VST Enterprises has submitted its programmes to the Government

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes takes a corner in front of empty stands during the Premier League match at Old Trafford(Image: PA Wire)

A North West cyber technology firm has submitted a plan to the Government to get fans back into stadiums by using Covid-19 rapid testing kits that produce results in just 10 minutes.

The 'Fans Are Back' initiative has been created by Manchester firm VST Enterprises Ltd along with various partners, and promises to get football, rugby and snooker fans back into stadiums in a "safe and controlled way".

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month said he hoped to get stadiums open for fans by October, and VST has submitted pilot programmes to the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The pilot scheme would work by a test group of 500-5,000 home fans downloading its 'V-Health Passport' onto their phones before testing day, including their official Government ID and personal details. They would attend a pre-defined testing location the day before the event, where they would present their V-Health passport, and take the Covid test.

Under the 'Fans Are Back' plans, the test would take one minute, with results issued in 10 minutes.

If negative, the fan will be asked to return home and self-isolate until the pilot match.

If positive, the fan's details will be fed back to the authorities for test and tracing purposes, and they will be told to self-isolate under usual Government guidelines.

VST said unlike contact tracing apps used by the Government, the V-Health passport does not track or trace a person's live location - and ensures personal data is "ultra secure" using the most advanced security protocols and encryption.