Fans back at stadiums in UK, US and hopefully in Malaysia soon

 


This was the scene during the Manchester United v Leeds United match on Saturday.

The same sight was seen in the Major Soccer League as fans flock back to the stands in full force.

What is scary to me is that there was no physical distancing observed and the supporters were generally without face masks.

This despite the UK and US continue to record high number of Covid-19 cases daily.

Immune to the coronavirus? Simply don't care? Or is this the respective governments' way of saying: "Hey, the coronavirus is going to be here so we can't be at its mercy forever."

What do the Premier League protocols say? According to the BBC:

  • Supporters could face random spot-checks of their Covid-19 status
  • This means proof of full vaccination or a recent negative lateral flow test
  • Supporters must follow a new 'supporter code of conduct' which includes wearing masks indoors, avoiding close contact and following one-way systems.
Most clubs don't have mandatory checks, which I find it to be rather silly. But Chelsea seems to have the welfare of its fans at its top priority. It was reported that:

Chelsea

All supporters attending home games at Stamford Bridge this season will need to provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination - with both doses received at least 14 days prior to the match attending - or proof of a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of kick-off.

Proof of vaccination can be supplied via the NHS Covid pass on the NHS app, or via an NHS vaccination letter (or US or European equivalent).

Supporters displaying a negative lateral flow test result can do so on the NHS app or via a text message or email from NHS test and trace.

Stewards will be checking each supporter's Covid-19 status on entry to the stadium.

With more people getting vaccinated, lower usage of ICU wards and it a bid to get some form of normalcy back, perhaps the stakeholders could look at Chelsea as a way to bring fans back to the stadium.

It would be safer to ensure all clubs follow the strict guidelines that those intending to be at the stands be fully vaccinated, must observe physical distancing and don the face mask at all times.

In addition to getting your car washed or hair cut, watching a football game at the stands would be another great incentive, don't you think?



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