Fans are being urged to enjoy the Euro 2020 quarter finals safely this evening and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday) – including England’s knockout clash with Ukraine.

It comes as infection rates continue to rise in Wolverhampton – with nearly 400 people in the city testing positive for the virus in the 7 days to 29 June.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Covid-19 is spreading rapidly once again, and the onus is on us all to stop it in its tracks.

“The virus thrives on human contact, but by following the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance and limiting our contact with others we can break the chain of transmission.

"So if you are planning on meeting up with others this weekend, either to watch the Euro 2020 quarter finals or any other sort of get together, please exercise caution. Try not to mix with others and don’t forget to take a free rapid test beforehand to reassure yourself, and the people you are meeting with, that you don't have Covid-19."

Current rules mean there is a limit on the number of people who can mix indoors – up to six individuals, or two households – and that pubs, bars and restaurants must operate within capacity limits. Venues must only offer table service and customers should wear a face covering except when seated at a table to eat or drink, unless they are exempt for medical reasons.

Chief Superintendent Andy Beard said: "Officers from the police and the council's licensing team will once again be visiting pubs and bars across Wolverhampton to ensure venues are operating in a Covid-secure manner.  

"During the previous England game the vast majority of supporters and businesses complied with the current covid restrictions.  We would ask that this continues tomorrow night, so that everyone can safely enjoy the game."

Latest figures show there were 142.3 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the 7 days to 29 June. That means 374 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that 7 day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

Further details about the Covid-19 measures currently in place, plus frequently asked questions and answers, are available at Covid Alert.