Premier League stadiums to be divided into red, amber and green zones as football returns

Matt Davies6 June 2020

Premier League stadiums are to be divided into three zones with various restrictions as clubs prepare for a return to action, reveals West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady.

Following a three month absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Premier League is to resume its campaign on June 17, with safety - of all concerned - the top priority.

Premier League clubs met on Thursday to discuss the logistics of the return, with Brady subsequently explaining just how the stadiums will be split using a 'red, amber and green' system.

Only those who have tested negative for Covid-19 in the previous five days will be allowed access to the red zone - the most severely restricted area - with a "Clinical Passport System" being created.

"We are now in the process of agreeing the matchday protocols, which will include everything from zoning the stadium into red, amber and green zones," Brady said in her column in the Sun.

"Red zone will be the most severely restricted area, including the pitch, the tunnel, technical areas, changing rooms will be limited to 105 people maximum, to include players, coaching staff, match officials and all the essential staff only.

"And only those who have tested negative for Covid-19 in the past five days can enter this area. We will be creating a Clinical Passport System for those who will need to have access to the red zone.

"The amber zone will be restricted to the minimum number of staff required to meet contractual requirements for broadcasting, media and club staff.

"This area includes all interior areas within the stadium and anyone entering this area will be subject to a temperature check and a health questionnaire.

"And the green zone is the stadium exterior, eg car parking.

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She added: "In all areas, social distancing needs to be observed and a series of one-way systems and other procedures need to be incorporated to ensure that it is.

"This includes in the dressing room (save for 15 minutes for the pre-match tactical talk by the manager) and the showers.

"A new strict accreditation process will be developed, including an isolation room should someone unfortunately develop symptoms of Covid-19 whilst within the stadium.

"We also have to ensure players refrain from spitting and everything must be disinfected, including the corner flags and match balls. There can be no sharing of drinks and no hand shaking."

Brady added: "So we are in good shape. We are ready. We are raring to go."

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