EFL step up Covid testing
EFL clubs will test players and staff twice a week in order to try and curb the rise in Covid-19 infections.
In contrast to the Premier League, who test twice a week, the EFL have so far opted against taking a strict approach to testing players on a regular basis, relying on medical advice that protocols for training and match days would be enough to protect from infection.
Hull City, along with other clubs in the EFL have been working to strict guidelines, which have consistently been reviewed, but a number of clubs have still suffered outbreaks of the virus.
City themselves have been badly impacted over Christmas, with an outbreak causing the game with Lincoln to be called off, while a number of players missed Saturday’s win over Charlton due to Covid.
The Telegraph report that a recent spate of postponements, combined with the new strain of the virus, means the EFL have now opted to change its approach to combating the spread of infection.
A round of testing had long been scheduled for this week - with many players at clubs away from City having not been tested since November - but this will now kick-off an approach of regular testing.
The Tigers will now have to test players twice a week, which marks a change from the EFL’S previous stance.
The cost of testing has previously proved an issue, with clubs facing a weekly bill of tens of thousands of pounds due to a cost of between £100 and £150 per test.
Yet the cost is expected to be taken from central funds in order to take the financial pressure off clubs.
It had been hoped that the PFA would make a contribution to the cost but this has not yet been the case.
Clubs involved in the FA Cup next weekend will also be given tests, which will be funded by the FA.