Phil SumblerAs more and more games become a victim to the increased spread of the Omicron variant, the EFL have moved to implement RED protocols for clubs with effect from this Saturday in a bid to retain the chances of football being able to continue through this latest wave.
As part of these protocols clubs are now expected to implement a daily screening programme of testing (although this is subject to the availability of lateral flow tests) and anyone testing positive will be required to take a PCR test and isolate in line with government guidance.
In respect of the screening programme, the EFL will not be providing a weekly aggregate report on number of tests undertaken and the number of positive results.ย The rationale behind this decision is due to the volume of testing taking place that, depending on circumstances, may vary from club-to-club, alongside the rolling nature of the programme. The EFL will confirm the circumstances where positive tests lead to a postponement of a fixture.
The EFL has also provided guidance on non-fulfilment of fixtures, confirming that Clubs will be expected to play where it has 14 players including a goalkeeper available from the Clubโs registered squad list, Under 21 players not on the squad list but have played one League match, or any other contracted player not on the squad list but otherwise would have been eligible to play. The EFL will assist Clubs in their deliberations.
EFL Medical Advisor, Dr Richard Higgins saidย โFurther to enhanced medical guidance recently issued, in response to a growing number of COVID-19ย cases and subsequent fixtures postponements in recent days, the EFL has opted to strengthen its protocols for all Clubs to help minimise the health risks to individuals while seeking to mitigate against the threat of further fixture postponements in the weeks ahead.
โAlongside enhanced protocols which includes mandatory testing ahead of matchdays, the EFL continues to strongly encourage players and staff at Clubs to get fully vaccinated and obtain a booster jab if eligible to do so.
โWe know that getting double jabbed and boosted now will reduce the risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19, reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 amongst team-mates and loved ones, while helping protect against COVID-19 variants including Omicron.โ
The guidelines also come with some “in match” protocols which are that each club must ensure that:
- Individuals maintain physical distance whenever possible including during goal celebrations, in the warm-up and when entering and leaving the pitch.
- There should be no shaking of hands
- No spitting or nose clearing
- Hand sanitisers should be used before and after every match
- Players should use their own water bottles
At the end of the game as well interaction between players and football staff at the end of the match must be minimised which includes no partaking in handshakes, hugs or post match socialising and drinks.
