EFL to introduce bi-weekly Covid-19 testing for all 72 clubs including Blackpool and Fleetwood Town

The initiative, which is being funded by the PFA, will begin from Monday, January 11.

It follows a number of recent outbreaks at clubs within the EFL, with League One being particularly affected.

Up until now, regular testing wasn't mandatory, although an EFL-wide testing programme is underway this week.

Instead, clubs have had to follow strict protocol related to training sessions and match-days, but this hasn't been enough to combat the recent outbreaks caused by the new strain of the coronavirus.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said:“We have repeatedly maintained that adhering to the stringent protocols implemented during the re-start last summer and then across all clubs since the beginning of the season was going to be our best chance of beating the virus and to keep playing matches.

“Only last week we took the decision to enhance these to further minimise risk, though with the new strain of the virus taking hold across parts of the country, it is now clear from our discussions with our medical advisors and public health officials that additional testing, operated in conjunction with strict protocols, may prove beneficial in the immediate short-term.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the PFA for their support in helping us to finalise a position on testing across all three divisions on a twice-weekly basis.

"We will continue to review the situation and make any adjustments or changes as circumstances dictate with the health and well-being of our players and club staff the overwhelming priority.”

Both Blackpool and Fleetwood, who have had games postponed in recent weeks due to Covid, are having their players tested this week.

PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: “In the light of the current increase in COVID-19 cases and the resulting further tightening of government regulations, the PFA and the EFL have agreed enhanced measures to help protect players, staff and their families.

“Football has provided temporary relief for many fans during the lockdown. PFA members, alongside millions of people, have worked hard and played a positive role throughout the pandemic.

“We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”

The EFL’s medical advisors Dr Richard Higgins and Dr.Subhashis Basu added: “The emergence of a new variant of COVID-19 and the current speed at which the virus is spreading means we are going to have to be prepared to review and implement new practices to ensure we have appropriate measures in place at any given time.

“Lateral flow testing is an important adjunct in our ability to identify infected individuals at an early stage, particularly those with high viral loads as is more common with this new variant, as these people are thought to be most infectious.

"In addition to hand hygiene, through consistently reinforcing good behavioural practices including physical distancing, wearing facial coverings indoors, reducing time spent in enclosed areas and improving building ventilation, we are taking the most effective steps to reduce further transmission.”

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