Developing a population data science approach to assess increased risk of COVID-19 associated with attending large events.

We demonstrate the potential for using population data science methods to inform policy. We conclude that, at that point in the epidemic, and with the mitigations that were in place, attending large outdoor sporting events did not significantly increase risk of COVID-19. However, these analyses were carried out between epidemic waves when background incidence and testing rate was low, and need to be repeated during periods of greater transmission. Having a mechanism to identify attendees at events is necessary to calculate risk and feasibility and acceptability of data sharing should be considered.