Premier League clubs will be testing players for Covid-19 up to 9 times per week in an effort to stop the Omicron tsunami and to prevent a shutdown in the top flight, which has players waiting on boosters.

  • Premier League teams met to discuss Omicron’s threat to their fixture schedule
  • Due to Covid epidemics, two top-flight matches were already postponed. 
  • Clubs are asked to review LFT daily tests and two PCR tests per week
  • The best protection for your child is two vaccinations and boosters. But most people will never get a third one this month because of slow jab take-up. 











Premier League clubs agreed to allow players to be tested up to 9 times per week to stop the Omicron variant’s tidal wave and to prevent a shutdown in the top flight.

This move comes after a dramatic increase in coronavirus cases within elite clubs. 42 additional cases were identified last week and there have been two matches scheduled for the top flight.

It is a challenge for football clubs where players and staff work close together, because the transmission of the variant can be transmitted easily.

Conscient of the danger, the Premier League tried to stay ahead what Boris Johnson on Monday described as a tsunami of Covid cases that is about to hit the country.

As well as demanding all clubs return to last season’s strict protocols involving mask-wearing and social distancing at stadiums and training grounds, the Premier League has now asked clubs to adopt daily lateral flow tests for each player and two PCR tests each week.

Manchester United have returned positive tests and their game against Brentford is now off

Manchester United’s positive test results have been returned and they are now ready to face Brentford.

Ralf Rangnick's squad had their training session cancelled on Monday due to the outbreak

Ralf Rangnick and his squad were forced to cancel their Monday training due to the spread of the virus.

At a shareholders’ meeting of all 20 clubs today, it was agreed to dramatically increase the level of testing and adopt the new schedule, although Sportsmail understands testing is optional on non training days.

A PCR test is performed on the same day as a match. 

Omicron arrived in the UK and a variety of clubs reported an outbreak.

Tottenham Hotspur’s match at Brighton was postponed, QPR had to call off Monday’s Championship clash with Sheffield United due to an outbreak and Manchester United’s fixture with Brentford has also been postponed.

Also, the Europa Conference League match Spurs at Rennes home was cancelled. 

Two games were postponed by Tottenham already due to an illness in the squad

Omicron is a serious threat that the government and scientific advisors agree on. They require booster jabs as well as double immunization.

Premier League clubs are still dependent on Omicron testing to ensure that they don’t force any further delays. This is because Omicron has been slow to administer vaccines to players.

Although the level of vaccination for top-flight players remains unknown, it was last reported in October that 68% had been given a double dose and 81% had received only one.

Premier League clubs are fearful the rise in Covid-19 cases could force mass postponements

Premier League clubs worry that Covid-19 case increases could lead to mass postponements

After a coordinated campaign from the league and clubs, vaccination rates rose sharply in October. This month saw a dramatic increase in double-jabbing players, which jumped from one to three percent.

From tomorrow, 18-29-year-olds can have a booster jab under the Government plans to curb the spread of the virus. Due to a 3-month delay between the first and third doses, top-flight players will only be eligible for December. People who have received the second dose in October must wait until January.

Although the Premier League claims that vaccination rates have increased in October, they do not disclose exact figures. Players who had their boosters in November must wait until February. 

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