90 Premier League players and staff tested positive for Covid in the past week
The Premier League has confirmed that 16% of players and staff have not received even one dose of a Covid-19 vaccination.
It was announced by the league after clubs opted against postponing a round of fixtures over the Christmas period following a shareholders meeting on Monday afternoon.
Following the announcement, a statement was released which provided updates figures on vaccination rates within the Premier League.
“The league also confirmed to its clubs today that 92 per cent of players and club staff have received one, two or three Covid-19 vaccination doses, with 84 per cent of players on the vaccination journey,” a statement read.
“Players who have had one or two doses are required to wait for the appropriate time period before receiving either their second or booster vaccinations.
“The league continues to work with clubs to encourage vaccination among players and club staff, as well as promoting the Government’s public health vaccination messaging to clubs and the wider public.
“No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the league, and player vaccination rates will now be publicly communicated at the end of each month, beginning in January.”
Premier League statement reveals 16% of top flight players still to even have a first vaccine. It was 19% on October 19. That’s pretty sluggish progress recently in persuading those who remain vaccine hesitant.
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) December 20, 2021
Six of the 10 Premier League matches due to be played last weekend were postponed following Covid-19 outbreaks within a number of clubs, leading to a number of managers calling for a circuit-breaker to try to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.
Despite this, the shareholders ultimately decided that the league’s “collective intention is to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible”.
A statement read: “It was confirmed at a Premier League club meeting today that while recognising a number of clubs are experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks and challenges, it is the league’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible.
“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the league will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.”
It was also confirmed that FA Cup third and fourth round replays will be scrapped to help reduce a backlog of fixtures, with the EFL confirming that its fixtures will also go ahead as planned where possible as well.
As per Sky Sports, 90 Premier League players and staff tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week, after a record 12,345 tests were administered.
This comes after the league increased testing of players and club staff to daily lateral flow and twice-weekly PCR tests.
Related links:
- Premier League clubs instructed to return to ’emergency’ Covid-19 measures
- PM confirms vaccine passports required for outdoor sporting venues with capacity of over 10,000
- Premier League clubs reject the idea of cancelling a round of Christmas fixtures
