Cardiff City, Swansea City, Leeds United and West Brom players allowed to conduct coronavirus self-testing at home - reports
The EFL are said to be adopting what they are deeming a "flexible approach" to testing, which will be conducted by club medical staff, independent testers and even self-testing at their homes or at training HQs
By Glen Williams
Friday 22nd May 2020
Championship players will be allowed to self-administer coronavirus tests at home, according to reports
Cardiff City and Swansea City players will reportedly be permitted to self-administer coronavirus testing at home in new proposals outlined by the EFL.
The controversial plans, which are sure to evoke strong opinions from supporters, are thought to be the final measures implemented by the EFL ahead of second-tier clubs returning to training next Monday.
According to the BBC, the EFL are adopting what they are deeming a "flexible approach" to testing, which will be conducted by club medical staff, independent testers and even self-testing at their homes or at training HQs.
The details of self-administering the tests are laid out in the EFL's 26-page document outlining the latest return-to-play protocols.
WalesOnline understands that the first round of testing will take place on Thursday and Friday, with club doctors to receive results within 24 hours to ensure players are ready to return next week.
If positive tests are found and the player has no symptoms they are asked to isolate for 14 days. Those who are positive for Covid-19 and do show symptoms, however, are asked to isolate for seven days and would then face no further antigen testing. But players who are negative but do have symptoms should "isolate for seven days, then retest".
There will likely be controversy and a fair share of naysayers with regards to these latest proposed plans, with some people concerned over the legitimacy and regulation of home testing, which could potentially lead to foul play.
Strict measures have been implemented for the players' return, as has been evident at Premier League training grounds this week, which will largely consist of socially-distanced drills and exercises.
There will be no contact and sessions are permitted to last for a maximum of only 75 minutes.
Before returning to training, players must actively "opt in", per government guidelines, by penning written confirmation that they have received the "Covid-19 operational policy" and stating that they agree to take part in training. They can also opt out at anytime, the EFL's dossier is reported to say.
The BBC report that the following training guidelines must be adhered to by Championship clubs:
It is "recommended as few footballs and equipment used as possible"
"Tackling" and "any opposed activities" are prohibited
Equipment will be disinfected where necessary, including "cones, goalposts, mannequins, GPS units, balls and gloves"
PPE may be required, including "mask and gloves" when injured players enter the gym and "coaching staff will be asked to wear gloves during sessions"
Players are told not to "chat in groups" and will not be allowed to use ice baths, showers or have "non-essential treatment"
Players will have designated parking spaces, will have to arrive in their own kit and bring their own drinks and towels.
The Premier League recorded six positive tests out of 748 in their first round of testing over the weekend, with three of those players thought to play for Watford. Adrian Mariappa has already confirmed he is one of the three players.
The Championship, however, could yet resume before the Premier League, despite returning to training a week later than their top-tier counterparts.
The latest reports suggest that the EFL are aiming to restart the campaign on June 20, with five weekends and four midweek slots to account for the final nine rounds of fixtures, which would finish the regular season on July 18, and leave enough time for play-off matches.
Cardiff City and Swansea City currently sit in ninth and 11th, two and three points off the play-off spots respectively.
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