New match-day rules for the fans

MATCH-GOING Nottingham Forest and Notts County fans will soon be required to show a Covid vaccine passport or proof of a negative lateral flow test to enter stadiums after new regulations were announced.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed at a press briefing on Wednesday that the country will move to Plan B following the recent surge of the Omicron variant.

The new guidelines will apply to venues with a capacity in excess of 10,000, meaning those attending upcoming matches at the City Ground and Meadow Lane will need to show proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test.

Johnson said to the nation on Wednesday night: “We will also make the NHS Covid pass mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather, including unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

“The NHS Covid pass can still be obtained with two doses (of the vaccine) but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out. And having taken clinical advice since the emergence of Omicron, a negative lateral flow test will also be sufficient.”

The new measures for stadiums will come into effect in a week, on December 15.

Forest are next in action at the City Ground on the 18th against Hull City, while away fans will first need to wary of the regulations on Boxing Day against Middlesbrough.

County’s first game under the new rules will be against Altrincham at home in the FA Trophy on December 18, before they visit Chesterfield on the 21st.

Clubs in the Premier League had reportedly been warned of the tightening of in-stadium restrictions during a shareholders meeting last Friday, with many said to have been making preparations for the increased demand the new Plan B regulations will have on fans and staff.