SPFL: Clubs to test daily under tightened Covid protocols
- Published
Cases of Covid-19 in Scotland are rising
All clubs in the Scottish Professional Football League will undertake daily testing of staff and players under tighter protocols aimed at subduing the spread of Covid-19.
The new regulations from the Scottish FA/SPFL joint response group (JRG) had been put in place for the Premiership's 12 sides, but now cover all 42 teams until 3 January.
It comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed "profound concern" over the surge in the Omicron variant last week.
Top-flight sides Dundee United and St Mirren have both had Covid outbreaks this month.
The JRG, having held a conference call with all 30 clubs outside the top flight on Monday, say further meetings will be held with the SWPL, as well as the Highland and Lowland Leagues on Wednesday.
As of Wednesday last week, 71 Premiership players and staff had tested positive for Covid since the start of October. Protocols required clubs to test once a week, but many did so on a more regular basis.
The first minister had opted not to restrict fan numbers over the weekend, with over 48,000 inside Hampden for the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday.