Following the recent government announcement in relation to mandatory COVID-19 status checks now being required at venues, the club can confirm that it is working with the EFL and local public health organisations to confirm processes and procedures.
Once confirmed, the club will communicate details surrounding procedures for forthcoming fixtures at The Valley.
Meanwhile, ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Sky Bet League One fixture away at Plymouth Argyle, we ask supporters to read the following protocols and guidance before travelling to Home Park.
The following statement was issued by Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday afternoon:
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the club has worked with local partners in Public Health and the local Safety Advisory Group to ensure that legislation and guidelines are followed at all times.
As a result in proposed changes to coronavirus legislation, and until further notice, Plymouth Argyle Football Club has a responsibility to ensure that all supporters (over the age of 18) provide evidence to our staff of their Covid status in order to gain entry to Home Park. All staff in attendance will also be required to follow the same rules.
Proof of COVID status can be presented to our staff in any of the following ways:
By displaying a digital (mobile phone) solution such as the NHS COVID pass or an EU equivalent (click here for info) please note that this will need to be updated every 30 days. (Click here if you were vaccinated overseas)
If you are exempt on medical grounds, you can still apply for the NHS COVID pass. Information can be found here
A digital or paper certificate of double vaccination.
Proof of a negative lateral flow test (LFT) result by text or email (within 48 hours of kick-off): do not bring the physical test unit with you (click here to order tests).
Please note: Your NHS vaccination details card is not acceptable proof of double vaccination.
Supporters who are already fully vaccinated are encouraged to plan in advance of fixtures and sign up for a digital NHS COVID pass well ahead of their next visit (details can be found here).
We encourage all supporters to download the pass to their online wallet, or obtain the pass prior to arriving at the stadium. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to download the pass at the stadium due to anticipated demand.
We ask all supporters to make plans to arrive at Home Park Stadium as early as reasonably practical prior to kick off. If you usually arrive at 2.30, please consider giving yourself an extra 30 minutes by arriving at 2pm in order to make sure you and your fellow supporters are in your seat prior to kick off.
To accommodate this enhanced procedure, turnstiles will now open two hours prior to kick off until further notice.
We are obliged to check on a game by game basis, therefore we cannot collect and hold season ticket holder Covid Status on record.
Please have your Covid proof to hand and ready when queuing, as we will aim to go down the queues to check prior to arriving at the turnstile. We will check what is reasonably practical on the day.
Updated guidance also states that supporters in attendance should wear a face covering while traversing through turnstiles, concourses and enclosed spaces. These can be removed once in the stadium bowl and seated.
We would also ask all supporters (including under 18s) to consider taking a COVID-19 lateral flow test before attending Home Park. Club staff are committed to undertaking regular tests to ensure that we play our part in making Argyle matches as safe an environment as possible for our supporters. We ask that our fans contribute to this effort.
There will be additional stewards outside the ground to assist on the day if you have an issue with providing your Covid Status, or are unsure of what to show.
This updated guidance is anticipated to become a legal requirement within the next 24 hours subject to a parliamentary vote, and we will be duty-bound to abide by these new rules.
We thank supporters for their help in ensuring this process is as smooth as it can be.