COVID-19: Fans allowed to return to EPL stadiums from December

ENGLISH Premier League clubs will be allowed to start admitting fans into their stadiums from December.   

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that supporters will be permitted to attend events in top level grounds in England when the national lockdown ends on 2 December 2. 

All sporting activities in the United Kingdom are currently held behind closed doors to prevent the spread of COVID-19,  which has ravaged the world since the beginning of the year. 

Sporting events were initially cancelled in March amid the pandemic but there has been a return since June, although strict preventive protocols have to be observed, including allowing in only the players, officials and media. 

The British government recently ordered another lockdown as a second wave of the virus battered the country and the authorities fought to keep it under control. 

The second lockdown will end on 2 December and that is when fans will be able to attend matches. 

The stadiums will operate at much reduced capacities; some cannot have more than 2,000 fans at one game. Clubs have been severely hit in the pocket with the no-spectators rule, and they will be relieved they can start making some matchday revenue. 

The Prime Minister also stated that stadiums in areas that fall within Tiers 1 and 2 (low and medium risk areas) will be allowed to admit a limited number of fans after the lockdown. 

However, match venues in  the high-risk Tier 3 areas will continue to host games behind closed doors.