Manchester United is to implement spot checks for COVID-19 certification at Old Trafford for the upcoming game against Newcastle United this weekend.
The Premier League club said that it believes “the [UK] Government has indicated that COVID certification checks are likely to be mandatory for those attending large events from 1 October” and has implemented its guidance in advance.
The club has said that it will check COVID status through the use of the NHS COVID Pass available through the NHS App. This relates to fans that need to prove they have been double jabbed with the second dose having been received more than 14 days prior to the event.
Fans will also be able to prove they are COVID-free through confirmation of a negative lateral flow test, or natural immunity through a PCR test that has been taken more than 10 days before entering Old Trafford.
The spot checks will apply to attendees over the age of 18, with children under this age exempt from the protocols.
Earlier this week, Leicester City also announced that its supporters will be subject to COVID-19 certification spot checks. This will be in place for the club’s home game at the King Power Stadium against Manchester City on 11 September.
A statement from Leicester read: “Please be aware that should COVID-19 certification become mandatory for fixtures in the future and you are unable to confirm your COVID-19 status during a spot check, you will be denied access to King Power Stadium, as per Premier League protocols.”
Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among the other Premier League teams to have implemented similar checks ahead of the UK Government’s expected announcement.
Image: Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
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