COVID-19 Certification: EFL Advises Supporters To Be Prepared

Following the UK Government’s introduction of its Autumn/Winter Plan, the EFL is asking football supporters to Be Prepared before they travel to watch their teams in action.

From Wednesday 15 December, Covid-19 Certification will be mandatory for entry into settings where large crowds gather – including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees.

As a result, supporters will need to be prepared to provide evidence of Covid-19 Certification to enter football stadia where the attendance will exceed 10,000 seated or 4,000 standing.

Similar legislation has already been in force in Wales, with Cardiff City, Newport County and Swansea City operating these measures during the season.

COVID PASS

To ensure that fans can continue watching their teams in person this season in a safe manner, it is imperative that all football supporters play their part by ensuring they have valid COVID-19 Passes or proof of certification in advance of match day.

For full details about the NHS COVID Pass, which includes information on how to obtain valid certification of the COVID-19 vaccine, please CLICK HERE.

BE PREPARED

To Be Prepared, those of you who are attending fixtures, where COVID-19 Certification is mandatory, are advised to:

• Check the Club’s latest COVID-19 guidance in advance of matchday and read its COVID Code of Conduct.
• Ensure you have a valid form of COVID certification in your possession before you leave for the ground or you will not be permitted entry.
• The best form of Certification is the COVID pass. You can download the COVID digital pass using the designated NHS App or to your wallet or camera roll in case there is no signal.
• Bring your original printed NHS COVID Pass on the day of the fixture if you are unable to use the digital version.
• A negative Lateral Flow test result will be permissible should you be unable to provide a COVID pass
• Make sure your passes are easily accessible to ensure efficiency and speed of access when approaching the turnstiles.

TEST BEFORE TRAVEL

Full details on how to obtain a COVID NHS Pass can be found above, but for supporters who are not yet double vaccinated, you will need to take a lateral flow test within 72 hours of attending the match.

If the test returns a positive result, then supporters must NOT attend the fixture and follow the correct procedures as advised by the NHS. Further information about COVID-19 is available HERE.

DON’T TRAVEL IF UNWELL

Even if double-vaccinated, supporters must not attend if they, or anybody attending with them, is suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, feels unwell, or is required to self-isolate.

USEFUL LINKS

• How to get an NHS COVID Pass - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19...
• How to download a digital NHS COVID Pass - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19...
• Further information about COVID-19 - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19...

LIFEBUOY

Through Lifebuoy’s partnership with the EFL as Hygiene Partner they have been helping clubs set themselves up for the safe return of fans as they know what an integral role football plays in the lives of so many families.

Lifebuoy have a dedicated ‘Tips & Advice’ portal on their website, providing useful information on why handwashing matters, when to wash your hands, and advice on the products that best suit you.

You can visit it here: https://www.lifebuoy.co.uk/tips-and-advice.html