Forty-two Premier League players and staff have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week – the highest number recorded in the league in a seven-day period.
This is the highest number since 40 cases were reported in January.
During that week, 2,295 exams were taken, while 3,805 exams were taken in the latest batch from 6 to 12 December.
Brighton, Tottenham, Leicester, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Norwich have all confirmed cases, with United’s game at Brentford is in doubt.
Sunday Brighton vs Tottenham match postponed after the Covid-19 outbreak at Spurs.
Before that, the most active tests back in a week this season were 16 from August 16 to 22, when there were 3,060 tests.
The latest report of 42 results, an increase of 30 of the 12 positive results reported from 3,154 tests between November 29 – December 5.
On Thursday, after the introduction of new coronavirus rules in England, the Premier League asked the clubs to return to emergency measures, including social distancing and masking.
A union statement on Monday said the frequency of lateral flow checks and PCR tests for players and staff would increase.
The statement added: “We will continue to work closely with governments, local authorities and advocacy groups, and respond to any future changes to national guidance.” or local.”
From Wednesday, fans will have to present proof of double vaccinations or a negative test to attend sporting events involving more than 10,000 people in the UK. This includes Premier League matches.
Which Premier League clubs have Covid-19 outbreaks?
Tottenham’s The Europa Conference League match against Rennes was postponed on Thursday as the outbreak caused Brighton to be postponed.
Also on Thursday, some Leicester The players did not go to Italy to attend the Europa League group stage match against Napoli because of a positive Covid-19 test result.
United are in discussions with the Premier League about whether it is safe to play their match at Brentford after the club closed the training ground for 24 hours to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Aston Villa Boss Steven Gerrard confirmed “a few staff members and a few players” had tested positive but insisted “the vast majority” were negative.
He said Tuesday’s game against Norwich was unquestionable and Canaries boss Dean Smith said one of his players is in isolation but the rest of the team has tested negative. counted on Sunday.
In Brighton, Head coach Graham Potter says there are “three or four” positive cases.
In the Championship, Sheffield United’s match against QPR on Monday had to be halted because of an explosive QPR squad.
What do Premier League managers say about Covid-19?
Brentford boss Thomas Frank says they are planning a game against Manchester United to continue and repeat Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta in calls for more clarity from the Premier League through the Covid-19 postponements.
City of Manchester Coach Pep Guardiola said he encouraged the players to get booster vaccinations, adding: “We talk to the players every day to say to be careful. Stay healthy, wear masks, keep a distance from society.”
Opposite, Burnley Manager Sean Dyche revealed he doesn’t “preach to the players” about vaccines, but Norwich’s Smith describes the Canaries as “highly vaccinated”.
Dyche added: “We certainly have players who are not fully vaccinated. Everyone has a choice, personally I have all three because I think it’s right to do so.”
What are the rules for fans at Premier League matches?
The government’s introduction of ‘Plan B’ on Wednesday to combat the spread of the Omicron variant means that fans will be required to present proof of double vaccinations or a negative test to participate. attend sporting events with crowds of over 10,000 in the UK.
Brighton meet Wolves in the Premier League on Wednesday and Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber said he hopes that, as long as fans adhere to the new measures, there will be no cap on the number of people attending the events. return match.
Barber said Brighton supporters would have to complete an online statement before the game and “ideally” wear masks inside the stadium.
“It seems like a small price to pay for keeping each other safe, protecting the NHS and hopefully keeping the stadium open at full capacity,” Barber added.
“The government really does expect us to do more random checks than we’ve done in the past, so there’s every chance it will take longer to get in.”
