ANDThe tsunami caused by the variant Omicron and the rapid increase in infections have put the world on alert to try to avoid a new collapse in this sixth wave of coronavirus. And Spanish football is no stranger to this new reality, as LaLiga has shown that, through its Delegate Commission, has approved a new protocol to try to stop this new peak of infections that already affects a large number of players and teams.
The new protocol aims to protect footballers, technicians and anyone who is integrated into the discipline of the teams, but emphasizes that the final responsibility lies with the compliance of the rules by the clubs and the individual responsibility of each person.
Daily antigens and PCR around Christmas
One of the first measures established by the new LaLiga protocol it has to do with the tests that all the members of the first squads of the clubs will have to take. All clubs will have to undergo a antigen test, provided by LaLiga, daily at the club’s facilities. The tests will be carried out by all those people who have been in contact with the first templates and The results must be reported statistically and anonymously, as well as identifying the number of people per category who have taken the test.
On game days home teams will have to take the test first thing in the day or at the beginning of the concentration. For their part, the sets Visitors will be tested before starting the trip. Additionally, it must be carried out a weekly PCR for at least the first 15 days of January 2022, as well as a serological control. LaLiga will manage and pay for these tests.
As an exceptional measure, LaLiga also establishes that players must undergo tests PCR at the beginning of the first training session after the return from the Christmas holidays. They will also have to undergo this type of tests at the end of FIFA periods, after 3 or more days of rest in a row and when new recruits are made in the winter market.
The document itself makes a qualification regarding the tests. With the completion of a additional antigen test, and in case of a negative result, individual training is allowed, but not the use of changing rooms or closed spaces. Once the results of the PCR tests have been obtained, the clubs are allowed to train in groups and use changing rooms, taking into account the recommendations.
New rules of coexistence and travel
The new LaLiga protocol also establishes new guidelines for the daily coexistence of the players, travel and the use of the facilities of the different teams. In this aspect, the use of costumes is limited and the footballers will have to go Dressed in training or party clothes to the facilities and shower in the hotel and private homes and the changing rooms are limited to a maximum of seven people.
At the time of foods it is advised that they be in tables of four and always the same, to be able to identify them in case of a positive case. Regarding the use of the gym or meeting rooms, always with masks, small groups and as little time as possible.
For its part, for travel, the new document advises limit the time you stay in the terminal, stay away from the shopping area and for bus travel, enable the maximum possible number of buses to maintain the safety distance and respect 50% occupancy.
Mask and social distancing
The League also includes in the protocol following the instructions of the health authorities when applying a series of recommendations such as the use of FFP2 mask during the presence of staff except for players who are playing or training. Will also be The use of an FFP2 mask is mandatory on the bench on match day. Only the first coach is exempt.
LaLiga also recommends maintain a safe distance from other personnel, adequately ventilate the facilities equipment at least once a day, the use of hydroalcoholic gel and in case of presenting symptoms compatible with COVID, notify the medical services.
In short, a series of measures to try to minimize the effects of a sixth wave that keeps everyone on alert due to its high level of contagion, although at the moment this is not reflected in hospitalizations.
