EXCLUSIVE: Premier League tells clubs that strict Covid-related rules – such as the ban of pre-match handshakes and no-go zones – will be relaxed when vaccine levels reach 85%
- Premier League clubs and players are still adhering to Covid-related regulations
- Pre-match handshakes are still banned while there are no-go areas at grounds
- The league says these rules will be relaxed when vaccine levels hit 85 per cent
- Any rule changes depend on the impact of a winter spike in UK Covid cases
The Premier League has told clubs that strict Covid restrictions are set to be relaxed once vaccine levels reach 85 per cent, Sportsmail can reveal.
The development was relayed to club doctors during a meeting last Thursday, though any guideline changes would be dependent on the impact of a possible winter spike in Covid cases.
Clubs have had to adhere to a raft of stringent Covid-related rules at their respective training grounds and stadiums over the past 18 months to ensure football can continue during the pandemic.
Premier League clubs have been told Covid rules will relax when vaccine levels hit 85 per cent
Top-flight clubs have to adhere to stringent Covid-related rules during their day-to-day life
For example, there are strict no-go zones — particularly in the tunnel areas — for certain members of the matchday staff at stadiums, while the traditional pre-match handshake between teams has been temporarily scrapped. There have also been strict restrictions on media outlets on matchdays.
At training grounds, medical staff have been forced to work under a raft of constraints, many of which have caused much contention behind the scenes.
Spot-checkers have made regular visits to ensure clubs are not bending the rules, but there is now growing hope that the measures will be slowly phased out.
Last week, the Premier League revealed that 81 per cent of players have received at least one jab, with 68 per cent now fully vaccinated.
Pre-match handshakes are still outlawed in Premier League football due to social distancing