This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
On May 13, 2020, the British government released official protocols for Premier League clubs detailing the need for strict testing and safety measures before returning to training amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The protocols, which were sent to all 20 Premier League clubs, include twice-weekly testing, a daily pre-training questionnaire and temperature check, and the disinfection of corner-flags, balls, cones, goalposts, and playing surfaces after each training session.
Players who test positive for COVID-19, with or without symptoms, will be forced to self-isolate for seven days. Additionally, all players will have to travel to a training ground individually and avoid public transport, and will not be allowed to gather in communal areas or be fed on the premises.
According to the BBC, tackling and contact will reportedly be banned for the first phase of team training, and club medical staff must wear personal protection equipment when treating the players.
A meeting involving players, the Professional Footballers' Association, and the British government over safety and health issues surrounding a possible restart of the game is set to take place on Wednesday.
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stated that his members would be open to playing again provided "everything that can be done is being done" to assure their safety.
However, England internationals Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose have raised concerns over a return to contact sport when the rest of society is being advised to follow social-distancing guidelines.
"The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees," Sterling told his YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, Rose stated on Instagram live: "People's lives are at risk. Football shouldn't even be spoken about coming back until the numbers have dropped massively."
