Players wearing face masks during matches and training would be a “sensible precaution” to take to limit the spread of coronavirus, an epidemiologist has said.
Sporting competitions including the Premier League and the English Football League are currently suspended due to the Covid-19 outbreak but are formulating plans for how they could restart should the Government take the decision to relax certain restrictions, with the nation currently in lockdown until May 7 at least.
The EFL has given guidance to its clubs to consider a return to training no earlier than May 16, and Dr Rowland Kao from the University of Edinburgh has suggested that while the effectiveness of masks is still a subject for debate, it may be an idea for sports administrators to consider.
Dr Kao said regular testing of all personnel involved in training and the staging of behind-closed-doors matches would be vital, and that health services must be prioritised in the provision of the tests.
“Individuals involved should be tested relatively soon before any such activities occur and should be tested frequently throughout,” he said.
“There will be some question as to whether such tests are available. If we’re talking about a substantial number of teams and a substantial number of tests, it’s not clear to me at this time whether that would be viewed as an appropriate use of such testing, if we’re trying to prioritise other areas. If you couldn’t do the testing, it’s unlikely any activity could restart.”
Professional football in England has been suspended since March 13, with a return date being kept under review.
