Premier League imposes strict ’emergency measures’ on all clubs to limit threat of spike in Covid cases as new season begins TONIGHT… with medical staff in full PPE on the pitch and use of masks required at training grounds despite end to restrictions
- The Premier League has told all 20 clubs to impose stricter Covid controls
- Officials want to keep a lid on the increase in cases since the start of pre season
- The tough rules are similar to the restrictions that accompanied Project Restart
- Medical staff will have to be equipped in PPE when in contact with playing staff
The Premier League have imposed a raft of strict ‘emergency measures’ on all 20 members amid the worrying spike in Covid cases that is threatening to overshadow the new season.
In a move that effectively signals the return of Project Restart protocols for a number of club departments, top officials have communicated the requirement for teams to comply fully with the principles over the past 48 hours.
Sportsmail has learned all clubs have been advised by the Premier League to impose stricter controls in a bid to keep a lid on the increase in cases since the start of pre season.
The Premier League have imposed a raft of strict ‘emergency measures’ on all 20 members
Medical staff will have to be equipped in full PPE when in contact with playing staff
The tough new rules are similar to the restrictions that accompanied Project Restart when football returned during the first Covid lockdown in the summer of 2020.
The new restrictions require medical staff to be equipped in full PPE when in contact with playing staff, with a 15 minute time limit on treatment also being re-imposed.
The use of masks will be required at training grounds, though it is unclear at this stage how the new rules will impact on training sessions.
Inspectors will also make routine visits to clubs to ensure guidelines are being adhered to.
The new guidelines are in line with guidance the Premier League have received from medical and health authority advisors and are viewed as being important in minimising disruption to teams’ preparations for the new season and their match scheduling.
The Premier League will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the clubs, though there is a feeling from some Premier League clubs that the ‘emergency measures’ could be in place until October.
The use of masks will be required at training grounds, though it is unclear at this stage how the new rules will impact on training sessions
The new guidelines are in line with guidance the Premier League have received from medical and health authority advisors
A number or Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Leicester, have been hit by a number of Covid cases since the start of pre season after players and staff returned from their summer holidays.
And the Premier League have moved quickly to ensure the problem does not escalate further – a scenario which could threaten the start of the new season.
But the news has been met with a degree of disappointment by some clubs who feel the new restrictions will derail preparations for the forthcoming season.