The Premier League has announced 42 new coronavirus infections in its latest round of testing, the most recorded ever over a seven-day period.
Covid-19 infections are on the rise throughout the United Kingdom, with the government recently announcing new Plan B measures to try to curb the spread of the virus.
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Tottenham, Arsenal, Leicester, Aston Villa, Brighton and Manchester United all have confirmed cases of the illness, with United’s fixture with Brentford not expected to go ahead on Tuesday.
In the Premier League’s latest round of testing between Monday 6 December and Sunday 12 December, 3,805 players and club staff were checked and 42 new positive cases were discovered.
It is the highest amount recorded in a single week since weekly testing figures were first announced in May 2020.
A Premier League statement reads: “The safety of everybody is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.
“The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and will increase the frequency of both Lateral Flow and PCR COVID-19 testing of players and staff.
“The Premier League’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are applicable to all clubs, include protocols such as wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time. These are in addition to the more frequent testing.
“We will continue to work closely with the Government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance.”
The previous highest number of positive tests reported this season was between 16 and 22 August, when 16 were returned.
The new omicron variant has resulted more hospitalisations and one person in the UK is confirmed to have died from it. On Monday, the UK recorded 54,661 new coronavirus cases, with a further 38 deaths within 28 days of a positive test. Health secretary Sajid Javid has said omicron now represents 20% of all cases in England.
There are now 4,713 confirmed cases of the variant, Javid added.
People throughout the country are being urged to get their booster jabs.
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