Premier League Covid rules: New measures for City and United players and what fans have to do at games

Premier League players and staff are now required to take a lateral flow test every day before entering training grounds in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The new Omicron variant of the virus is understood to spread more rapidly than the Delta variant, which has been the prevalent strain in the United Kingdom for some time now.

And with a number of top-flight clubs - including Manchester United - affected by positive tests in recent days, new measures have been rolled out across the division to help quell the potential disruption to a hectic festive fixture schedule.

United have had two fixtures in a row postponed, including Saturday’s match against Brighton after a number of players and staff tested positive, and they announced a pause in training in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

However, the Premier League has so far resisted calls from some quarters to take a break from all fixtures.

We’ve gathered all of the details below...

What are the new Premier League Covid rules?

As agreed on Tuesday, all Premier League players and club staff will need to take a daily lateral flow test before they are allowed to enter their training ground.

In addition to those daily tests, players and staff will be required to take a PCR test at least twice a week. The same requirement was in place last season.

Other advisory measures include additional mask wearing, greater social distancing, and a limit on time spent receiving physical treatment in an effort to reduce the risk of further cases.

Are there any new rules for Premier League fans to follow?

Following the introduction of the government’s new ‘Plan B’ measures on Wednesday morning, it will now be mandatory for any supporters attending Premier League matches to provide proof of double vaccination or a recent negative test.

These rules apply to any fan planning to attend a sporting event with a crowd of 10,000 people or more.

An official statement from the Premier League, released on Wednesday, detailed the new measures in full.

An excerpt reads: “The safety of everyone attending fixtures remains a priority for the Premier League and its clubs to ensure safe matchday environments can be enjoyed by all.

“Clubs have been working hard to prepare for the introduction of the Government’s “Autumn and Winter Plan B”. The Premier League will continue to consult with Government, clubs, safety groups and local public health authorities to update protocols for match-attending fans ahead of the measures coming into effect next week. Further details will be confirmed shortly.

“In the meantime, fans are reminded of the current requirements and measures in place to keep everyone safe at all Premier League grounds:

• Every fan aged 18 or over attending Premier League fixtures must be prepared to show their NHS COVID pass on arrival at the stadium
• If you are unable to produce a valid NHS COVID Pass, supporters should show alternative proof that you have been fully vaccinated or have registered a negative COVID test result in the previous 48 hours, as close to matchday as possible
• All clubs will be conducting COVID status checks at grounds
• If you are unable to demonstrate proof of COVID status you risk being denied entry to the stadium
• Face coverings must be worn in indoor areas as well as during your journey to and from the stadium if you are travelling by public transport
• All supporters must follow their club’s Code of Conduct
• All supporters must follow the latest public health guidance including wearing face coverings in certain areas, regularly wash your hands, maintain social distancing and be respectful of fellow fans
• Please do not attend a match if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or there is any risk you could pass on COVID-19
• Please arrive early to ease access into the stadium ahead of kick-off.”