Following yesterday's vote in Parliament the government's 'Plan B' for COVID-19 has come into operation with effect from today.
The new rules applicable to England are as follows:
- Over-18s in England must prove they are double vaccinated against Covid-19, had a negative PCR or lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours, or have an exemption, to enter large events and venues
- This can be shown via the NHS Covid Pass or with a text message or email from NHS Test and Trace
- The rules apply to nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people
We have this week obtained clarification from the EFL that because the Jonny-Rocks Stadium has an overall capacity below 10,000 and a terrace capacity of below 4,000, these regulations will not apply to our home matches at this point in time.
However, there are a number of larger stadiums within Sky Bet League One where the regulations will apply so Cheltenham Town supporters will need to be fully aware of the situation at each venue before travelling to an away match.
We will endeavour to obtain as much information as possible from the away clubs we visit and share it with supporters ahead of matches. This coming Saturday, for example, we are away to Shrewsbury Town where the stadium capacity is also under 10,000 so COVID certification will not apply.
The EFL have also confirmed, following their own discussions with government, that the COVID certification for 10,000+ relates to anticipated attendance rather than stadium capacity. It is therefore possible that some clubs with larger stadiums may initiate temporary closures of certain areas or operate certification for some matches and not others. We therefore recommend that supporters wishing to travel to away matches keep in touch with the club website and social media for the latest information.
With regard to home fixtures at Cheltenham Town, we are in the process of conducting an internal review into our own COVID-19 measures and although certification will not be in operation for the Boxing Day match against Plymouth Argyle, for example, we ask all supporters to consider the guidance provided by Gloucestershire County Council Safety Advisory Group at the start of the season.
Our local authority Safety Advisory Group have asked us to circulate the following guidelines to all supporters:
• Use hand sanitizer stations at ground
• Maintain social distance from others not in your group as far as possible
• Wear facemasks when entering via turnstiles, indoor concourses/refreshment areas, when leaving the ground and any crowded areas (apply personal preference to remove whilst seated)
• Follow stewards instructions and any social distancing signage when moving around, exiting the stadium and using toilet facilities etc.
• Consider taking a lateral flow test on day of game
• Don’t attend if you have symptoms or told to self-isolate
• Listen for any Covid 19 related PA announcements