Premier League clubs no longer required to take twice-weekly PCR tests

Clubs will no longer be required to undergo twice-weekly PCR tests

The Premier League has informed all 20 clubs that they will now no longer need to take twice-weekly PCR tests for players and staff. As reported by the Telegraph, the league's chief executive, Richard Masters wrote to all clubs to inform them that from Thursday (January 6th), the main focus will be on lateral flow tests (LFTs) which players and staff will be required to take the day before matches and on training days. Members who have returned a positive test however will still be required to undergo a laboratory-checked PCR test as a way to provide confirmation. https://twitter.com/SamWallaceTel/status/1478711133049659400?s=20 The decision has been made to follow in line with the government's recent announcement, which stipulates that from January 11th, PCR tests will no longer be required for people in England who record a positive LFT, but are not displaying any symptoms. It's said that the decision will help with the current backlog of fixtures clubs are facing in the top-flight, with many facing a short turn-around to complete the fixtures - with as many as 19 unplayed Premier League games still awaiting confirmation of a rescheduled date. At present, the Premier League is still in the middle of procedures known as "emergency measures" which they implemented during mid-December which saw clubs increase their testing programmes and impose tighter restrictions on social mixing at both training grounds and stadiums. Recent test records showed that of 14,250 tests carried out in the most recent cohort, 94 positive cases were recorded - the first fall in the number of positive tests in eight weeks. Related links:

• Liverpool vs Arsenal EFL Cup tie postponed due to Covid-19 cases
• No vaccine? No play – Italy imposes strict new rules on footballers
• 16% of Premier League players have not had a single vaccine