Doncaster Rovers set for twice weekly Covid tests from Monday

Testing has not been mandatory on a weekly basis throughout the season and has been left to the discretion of individual clubs.

But following outbreaks of Covid-19 at clubs over the last month in particular, coupled with the current spike in cases across the country, it has been decided that regular testing is essential.

And the EFL has agreed with the Professional Footballers’ Association that the players’ union will fund the testing programme, which will be carried out by private firms.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “In the light of the current increase in COVID-19 cases and the resulting further tightening of government regulations, the PFA and the EFL have agreed enhanced measures to help protect players, staff and their families.

“Football has provided temporary relief for many fans during the lockdown. PFA members, alongside millions of people, have worked hard and played a positive role throughout the pandemic.

“We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”

Rovers suffered an outbreak of Covid-19 over the festive period with five players and a member of the backroom staff testing positive.

As well as newly implemented procedures across the EFL, the Rovers squad was set for testing this week ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “We have repeatedly maintained that adhering to the stringent protocols implemented during the re-start last summer and then across all clubs since the beginning of the season was going to be our best chance of beating the virus and to keep playing matches.

“Only last week we took the decision to enhance these to further minimise risk, though with the new strain of the virus taking hold across parts of the country, it is now clear from our discussions with our medical advisors and public health officials that additional testing, operated in conjunction with strict protocols, may prove beneficial in the immediate short-term.”

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