EFL issues new Covid-19 guidance to all clubs as crisis deepens plus Lincoln manager Michael Appleton tests positive for coronavirus

The measures essentially revert to steps taken upon the initial outbreak of the virus and clubs face an increased risk of being sanctioned if they are found to be in breach of the new guidelines.

Indoor facilities including changing rooms and canteens must be closed, gymnasiums and other indoor areas only used if well-ventilated, and clubs have been asked to consider using separate or multiple vehicles to travel to fixtures.

The measures come in the midst of soaring Covid-19 rates and an increasing number of postponements, with eight games across Leagues One and Two called off due to the impact of the virus in last Tuesday’s schedule alone.

While individual circumstances, including the financial implications of excess transportation, prevent the EFL presenting the new protocols as uniformly unbreachable, the PA news agency understands it will clamp down more keenly on affected clubs who are seen to have flouted its guidelines.

Each postponement for coronavirus issues is subject to an individual investigation by the league, with the potential for fines or points deductions if clubs are found not to have sufficient cause for calling off fixtures – or to have done so having contravened best practice.

Individual investigations into coronavirus postponements are yet to be concluded, but some clubs have expressed concern over the pressure to fulfil fixtures.

Rotherham called two games off over Christmas after five players were affected by the virus, but manager Paul Warne said they felt obliged to play Tuesday’s fixture against Barnsley, for which they named just six players on the bench.

Speaking prior to the game, which Rotherham lost 2-1, Warne said: “I was advised that if we did not play the game, there would be retribution because I am going against medical advice.

“There was a fine with a possibility of a points deduction, which I do not want hanging over our heads.”

Returning to the theme in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Cardiff, Warne gave an insight into the issues facing EFL clubs as they come to terms with the newly tightened guidelines.

“The EFL rules have changed again so now we are having to take three buses to every game,” said Warne. “No one is allowed in the gym, no indoor stuff, (and) the lads have to take their kit home and come in it to training.”

Meanwhile, Lincoln manager Michael Appleton and goalkeeping coach Steve Croudson have tested positive for coronavirus.

Appleton and Croudson are self-isolating but additional testing of all those who have been in close contact at the club have returned negative results.

Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash at AFC Wimbledon will still be played but Appleton and Croudson will not be present in the dugout.

Sunderland return to action this weekend, Lee Johnson takes his squad to Northampton Town.

The previous four League One fixtures had all been postponed after a Covid-19 outbreak at the Academy of Light.

The Academy of Light training ground was closed for 10 days as a result but the players returned to training last week.