Daily tests required as EFL updates guidance
DERBY County will be required to test players for coronavirus daily, as part of updated guidance from the English Football League.
A number of this weekend’s fixtures have already been called off throughout the Football League and in the Premier League due to Covid-19 outbreaks at clubs.
EFL teams have been told they will be expected to fulfil fixtures if they have 14 players, including a goalkeeper, available from their registered squad list.
Under-21 players not on the squad list but who have played one league match, or “any other contracted player not on the squad list but otherwise would have been eligible to play” can also count towards that total.
In the Championship, Derby have seen tomorrow’s away game against Cardiff City postponed, while Millwall v Preston North End, QPR v Swansea City and Reading v Luton Town are also off.
A statement from the EFL said: “In light of the increased transmission rate of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, the EFL has moved to implement a regime of enhanced training ground protocols, increased testing and has provided updated guidance on the minimum number of available players that are required to fulfil a fixture.
“All 72 clubs will now be required to implement enhanced RED protocols for first-team training settings.
“Social distancing measures will be required outside of physical sessions, along with restrictions to the use of indoor facilities, manual therapy and group travel, amongst others.
“As part of the enhanced guidance, clubs will be expected to implement a daily screening programme of testing, subject to supply chain availability of lateral flow tests. Any person with a positive test of symptoms will then 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.
“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.
“In the wake of recent EFL fixture postponements due to Covid-19 cases at clubs, 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 club’s 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.”