Premier League confident matches will continue despite impending second UK lockdown

The Premier League is confident any second Covid-19 lockdown won’t interrupt the season but will wait until the Government unveils full details before making a final decision.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering a month-long lockdown across England in the hope the rising rate of coronavirus infection can be slowed before Christmas.  

No decision has been taken yet as to whether professional sport will have to be halted as was the case when the first lockdown was announced in March.

The Premier League is confident the season would be able to continue in the event of a second national Covid-19 lockdown. Pictured is Sunday’s Manchester United vs Chelsea match

Premier League sources told Sportsmail they are confident their Covid-19 safety protocols and testing regimes are robust enough for games to continue even if a second national lockdown is announced.

However, it is likely any second lockdown will set back the return of supporters to stadiums in the Premier League well into next year. 

Reports on Friday night suggested a new ‘stay at home’ order from the Government – with the exception of schools, colleges and universities – could be announced as early as Monday. 

It could see the closure of non-essential shops as well as bars and restaurants plus curbs on travel, with the public encouraged to work from home. 

However, the Premier League, which followed rigorous protocols to safely restart the 2019-20 season in June amid the pandemic, are optimistic the current campaign will be able to carry on as planned.

There is the possibility that clubs may have to step up testing of players and staff as an additional precaution.   

The Premier League source pointed out that only two positive coronavirus tests were recorded from 1,609 samples from players and staff in the latest round of checks between October 19 and 25.

It follows comments from the league’s chief executive Richard Masters earlier this month that there was ‘no risk’ of a second pause to a Premier League season in the event of another lockdown. 

Masters said the English top-flight’s ‘Project Restart’ was a ‘proven model that works’ and there was no suggestion of the season being suspended just seven games in.  

More to follow.