Premier League tightens health protocol in anticipation of omicron

DBasia.news – The spread of the corona virus is back in the UK. Queen Elisabeth’s country has implemented new rules regarding health protocols considering that there is a new variant of the virus called Omicron. It has had an impact on the Premier League.

As is known, this season spectators have been allowed to return to the stadium after last season’s matches were played without spectators due to the corona virus pandemic. Now the virus and its variants is continuing to spread.

According to BBC Sport, the Premier League has told 20 teams to re-tighten Covid-19 rules at an emergency level following the new rules in England. The protocol includes social distancing.

Clubs with high vaccine levels has relaxed health protocols, but now they must be re-enforced to limit the potential spread of the Omicron variant.

Tottenham Hotspur for example. Several players and their staff have tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested and the match against Stade Rennes in the Europa Conference League was postponed.

“Eight players and five staff members (positive for corona virus) but the problem is that every day we have people with Covid, people who were not positive yesterday and today, and we are in constant contact. This is a serious problem,” said Antonio Conte recently.

“Everyone is a bit scared. People have families. Why should we take the risk? This is my question. Today, two are positives. And tomorrow, who? Me? I don’t know. Better me than a player for sure. But I don’t think it’s right for everyone. We have contact with our families.”

New Corona Virus Rules in the UK

One of the newly implemented rules is directed to fans. Supporters must show proof of having been vaccinated twice, or a negative test result to be able to watch a match of more than 10,000 people in England.

The rules will take effect on December 15, 2021 or on Wednesday local time. The Covid-19 permit rules are already in effect in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in parts of the United Kingdom.

In addition, the protocol also includes the use of masks in indoor areas though it takes no more than 15 minutes and medical staff is required to be fully equipped if they come into contact with players.

All Premier League teams are required to strictly enforce the rules effective December 15, in the busy schedule of English clubs. It is still unknown whether this will have an impact on the number of spectators in the stadium.