TRACKER TO HELP TACKLE RISING CASES

PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have announced a record number of new Covid cases.

A staggering 103 positive tests among players and staff were recorded from December 20-26, which contributed to three top-flight games being postponed on Boxing Day.

It is a rise on the previous weekly figure of 90 cases, with Premier League chiefs now using a Covid ‘tracker’ to keep up to date with potential outbreaks at clubs.

The system is designed to enable early decisions on postponements.

And new figures show since the Government’s Plan B was brought in, 69 percent of fans are confirming their Covid status ahead of a match on club websites.

Also, an average of 47 percent of fans have been involved in spot checks for Covid passes and test results.

Now clubs must provide full medical details on the number of positive tests and self-isolation of players and staff, their vaccination status, injury information and if Under-21 players are available. Every postponement application goes to the Prem board.

It has six key factors to be taken into consideration:

1) Impact of infections such as illness and isolations, number of injuries, number of players available on the squad list and any U-21 players with appropriate experience. Where a club cannot field 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper either from its squad list, or its designated U-21 players, the match will be postponed.

2) Status of any Covid outbreak, the sequence and source of infections and proximity to the game.

3) A club’s ability to safely prepare its players for a match.

4) Medical advice relating to any health and safety risks on players and staff by playing the match.

5) Advice from UK Health Security Agency and other public bodies.

6) Any other exceptional circumstances.