'Covid passes' at sport: What does 'Plan B' mean for sport fans in England?



In the last few weeks, clubs in the premier league have been conducting spot checks for Covid vaccinations.

The new Omicron variant of coronaviruses has caused some sports stadiums in England to be closed.

Football fans will have to getvid passes to get into larger outdoor venues on Wednesday, along with hundreds of thousands more supporters who are planning to watch sporting events over the busy Christmas period.

The new measures come as several top-flight and EFL clubs have reported confirmed cases among players and staff.

Rugby union, rugby league, horse racing and other sports will be affected by the new rules.

How do I get through the new rules?

Despite opposition from some Conservative MPs, the government's Plan B to fight the spread of Omicron was approved on Tuesday.

This means for sport.

The Covid Pass will be required for nightclubs, indoor venues with more than 500 people, outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any event with more than 10,000 people.
Sports stadiums, theatres and cinemas will need face masks.

If you're 18 or older and registered with a GP, you can get a Covid pass for domestic use through the Covid app.

What should I do to watch a game?

Fans can still go to watch sporting events under the restrictions.

Those attending events in England have been warned.

They must have a valid Covid pass to show digitally or via a paper version of the test, or an alternative way of showing a negative test, like a text or email.
It is against the law to allow in fans who are unable to comply.
A pre-match online form is needed.
Face coverings will be required when travelling to and from matches.
If they show Covid symptoms, they should not travel to the match.

Some of the biggest public events in England have been the subject of spot checks on fans' Covid status.

The government expects us to carry out more random checking than we've done before, so there is a chance it will take longer to get in, but our priority is to keep everyone.

The matches were held behind closed doors last season because of the tightened rules.

If football was to be played without fans in the stadium, it would be a disaster, according to Patrick Vieira.

The general feeling among fans is that this kind of thing is necessary, according to the chair of the Football Supporters' Federation.

It's a lot better than playing games behind closed doors. There is nothing like a live crowd. We didn't want to go through what we went through last season.

We have to live with it. Everybody is kept safe.

Which sports events will be affected?

There are four matches being played when the rules are changed.

West Ham vs.
The game is between Wolves and Brighton.
The game is between Burnley andWatford.
Crystal Palace is playing a game.

There are three more games on Thursday.

The game is between Chelsea andEverton.
The game is betweenLeicester andSpurs
The game is betweenLiverpool andNewcastle.

A 'covid pass' will be required at all Championship games in England from 15-19 December, as well as seven of the 12 League One games and six of the 12 League Two games this week.

There is a full programme at the weekend as football heads into its busy Christmas and New Year period.

Bath, Harlequins, Sale, and Leicester are all playing in the European Champion Cup.

The Christmas programme in horse racing is always well attended. The King George VI Chase is held at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Boxing Day rugby league games are being played.

If the holder cannot comply with the new rules, tickets will be blocked.

What about the rest of the UK?

Fans going to large sporting events in Scotland must have proof of vaccination, a negative lateral flow test or evidence they are exempt if they take it within the last 24 hours.

Those going to the Battle of the Brits tennis exhibition will not have to show proof.

The event does not require vaccine passports because the capacity is lower than 10,000.

The deputy first minister told the radio station that there were no plans for further curbs on crowds at football games.

Rugby union internationals and the World Cup football qualification in Northern Ireland had restrictions in place.

How will the rules be enforced?

Football and rugby clubs have been planning for the practicalities of checking vaccination passports, with governing bodies promising to support those who will need to implement them.

Many clubs say that the tickets will be sent by email before the game.

Fans are being urged to read the instructions sent out by their host clubs and arrive earlier to account for the checks.

The safety of supporters attending games remains a priority for the league, while the clubs have adapted to welcome fans safely.

"We know clubs have been preparing for this additional layer to their matchday operations to ensure supporters can continue to watch their team play with confidence over the winter period," said the EFL.