With England's full reopening of clubs and festivals confirmed to go ahead on Monday (July 19), the UK government has encouraged those running events and venues to use the NHS COVID Pass on entry.

Though it will not be a legal requirement, the government says it encourages those running larger and "higher-risk" events to use the pass as a means of keeping a handle on increasing COVID-19 rates. The government hasn't fully clarified what constitutes a "higher-risk" event, but a government webpage offers the description of "large crowded settings where people are likely to be in close proximity to others outside their household."

The NHS COVID Pass is available via the NHS app and website, or as a physical letter. If a promoter decides to make use of it for an event, attendees will have to show either a recent negative test result, a positive antibody test or proof of a second vaccination at least ten days before the event, as The Guardian reports.

As well as encouraging use of the NHS COVID Pass, the government is underlining its message that those putting on large and high-capacity events should continue to follow official hygiene guidance in order to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Those who test positive for the virus must also continue to isolate for 10 days from receiving their test result or first experiencing symptoms, and that will remain in law beyond Monday.

From July 19, clubs and festivals around England will be able to open without capacity restrictions, as was confirmed by the UK government last week. Those attending events will also not legally be required to wear masks.