Premier League rules out strategic sourcing Covid-19 vaccine

The Premier League goes on to rule out trying to source a private supply of coronavirus vaccine despite a the latest flurry of postponements of top-flight matches.

The PA news agency reported at the beginning of December that the league had ruled out any move to secure its own supply, and it’s understood recent developments have not changed that position.

The league is understood to believe that the most susceptible in society must get the vaccine first, what happens in just about any situation, at present, demand outstrips supply and governments around the world have bought up stocks before makers have even produced them.

It’s understood clubs have expressed a willingness to assist with the rollout of vaccines, which will now be able to take place on a much greater scale following the endorsement of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday.

Brighton are understood to be ready to help you in any way they will when approached to do it.

The Premier League put out a statement on Wednesday night insisting that there was no plans to pause the season, if not any discussions over such a move, despite two games being called off so much this week.

Manchester City‘s match against Everton on Monday was postponed due to coronavirus, and so too was Fulham’s match at Tottenham on Wednesday.

The league reported eighteen good cases on Monday from its most recent round of testing of staff and players, probably the highest number since testing started out as part of Project Restart in the summer.

But the Premier League statement added: “The league continues to have confidence in its Covid-19 protocols to help fixtures to be played as scheduled, and these protocols continue to enjoy the full backing of Government.

“With the health of players and staff the priority, the league is furthermore completely supportive of just how clubs are actually using the protocols and rules.”

Shrewsbury became the most recent club to inform the EFL of the failure of theirs to fulfil a fixture, in cases like this their Sky Bet League One match against Crewe on Saturday.

Three matches in that division thanks to be played on Saturday have recently been postponed due to coronavirus outbreaks.

The recent spate of postponements and rise rise in infections has positioned question marks over the number of of next month’s FA Cup third round ties will likely be played as scheduled.

All clubs involved will experience tests beforehand. Testing for non Premier League clubs will be paid for by the Professional Game Board.