The Premier League have confirmed that its 20 clubs have returned a total of 42 positive cases for Covid-19, the highest amount recorded in a single week since weekly testing figures were first announced in May 2020
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The Premier League have reverted to emergency measures after a record number of Covid-19 cases were recorded.
42 positive tests for coronavirus were confirmed among 20 clubs, the highest amount in a single week since weekly testing figures were first announced in May 2020.
The UK government today urged people to receive their vaccine booster jab, with the Omicron variant on the rise ahead of the Christmas period.
In a statement, the Premier League said: “The safety of everybody is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.
“The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and will increase the frequency of both Lateral Flow and PCR COVID-19 testing of players and staff.
The Premier League have reported 42 positive coronavirus cases
“The League can today confirm that between Monday 6 December and Sunday 12 December 3,805 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, there were 42 new positive cases.
“The Premier League’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are applicable to all clubs, include protocols such as wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time. These are in addition to the more frequent testing.
“We will continue to work closely with the Government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance.”
The news follows Tottenham Hotspur’s fixture against Brighton on Sunday being postponed after eight Spurs players and five members of staff tested positive and their Europa Conference League clash with French outfit Rennes was also called off.
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Meanwhile, Manchester United are bidding to have their clash with Brentford on Tuesday postponed after the Red Devils closed their Carrington training ground due to a coronavirus outbreak.
A statement from United on Monday read: “Manchester United can confirm that following PCR test confirmation of yesterday’s positive LFT Covid-19 cases among the first team staff and players, the decision has been taken to close down first team operations at the Carrington Training Complex for 24 hours, to minimise risk of any further infection.
“Individuals who tested positive are isolating per Premier League protocols.
“Given cancellation of training and disruption to the squad, and with the health of players and staff the priority, the Club is in discussion with the Premier League whether it is safe for Tuesday’s fixture against Brentford to continue, both from a Covid infection and player preparation perspective.
Rangnick’s Man Utd have suffered a Covid-19 outbreak
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“Team and staff travel to London will be deferred pending the result of that discussion.”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has plead for more clarity on the criteria for a coronavirus-enforced postponement, stating: “If we could make it very clear what the rules are for cancelling a game that would be very good.
“All of that just takes focus away from what we all want to focus on which is the football. I am 100 per sure that the Premier League will continue through the winter; I am in no doubt about that.”
“That is why we have the vaccines and boosters; we will continue. Every club, and every person in the world, can be hit by Covid.”
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-premier-league-revert-emergency-25688619
