EFL records no positive Covid tests for first time
The twice-weekly test programme included 5,524 players and staff from the 72 clubs and is the first time that all concerned tested negative for Covid-19
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.No positive samples were returned in the latest round of EFL coronavirus testing, with its chief executive Trevor Birch describing the results as “a testament to the hard work and efforts of all clubs”.
The twice-weekly test programme included 5,524 players and staff from the 72 clubs, and it marks the first time that all concerned tested negative for Covid-19.
It is an impressive turnaround after there were calls for a mid-season “circuit-breaker” last December to tackle a worrying rise in infections.
“Today’s results are a testament to the hard work and efforts of all EFL clubs during what has been a particularly challenging period,” Birch said.
“For 12 months we, like the rest of the society, have been dictated to by this virus. However, the stringent protocols implemented across the board have ensured that we are now able to turn our attention to returning to a certain level of normality.
“Our focus must be on maintaining this low transmission rate and then ensure supporters can return in full as quickly as is safe to do so.
“Football remains one of the most heavily regulated areas of crowd management, with EFL clubs already demonstrating they can stage matches safely during a successful pilot programme earlier in the season.”
The EFL introduced twice-weekly testing in early January.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments