The Imps are now able to provide supporters with an update following the introduction of Plan B restrictions which were announced by the Government last week.
These new measures mean that proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test will be required in outdoor seated stadiums where capacity exceeds 10,000, placing a significant financial and logistical strain on clubs where the measures are enforced.
Therefore following guidance from Public Health Lincolnshire, the safety authorities and the EFL, Lincoln City will be reducing the capacity of the LNER Stadium to below 10,000 while these current restrictions are in place. Reducing our capacity means that, under current government guidelines, Covid-19 passports and negative lateral flow tests will not be required to gain entry to the LNER Stadium on matchdays.
In addition, and in line with latest government hospitality legislation, face coverings will not be required in any of the hospitality areas at the LNER Stadium. The health and safety of all our supporters and staff remains paramount, and all members of our matchday operational staff will be required to meet Covid-19 passport or negative lateral flow test requirements.
The club is also working closely with opponents for away games where implementation of Covid-19 passports and negative lateral flow tests will be applied, and will communicate key information to assist our supporters travelling to those away matches.
Lincoln City’s chief executive Liam Scully said: “Following conversations with the authorities and the EFL we will be reducing our capacity to below 10,000 while the current restrictions apply, which ultimately means there is no requirement to implement these checks at present.
“We think this is a measured approach given our available resources. The industry is already experiencing significant shortages of event staff and the requirement to provide further staffing resources, which Covid passport checks undoubtedly would, will only increase this pressure. From our perspective, adding the number of staff necessary to undertake checks and provide the necessary services is a logistical challenge which would add a significant cost to our matchday operations.
“We work closely with colleagues in Public Health Lincolnshire and we fully understand the wider health context across the city and beyond. Ultimately, our number one priority is looking after each other – and we urge our fans to follow the regulations and play their part in helping mitigate the spread of the virus.
“Our wider concern is away travel such as the upcoming fixtures at Rotherham, Ipswich and Plymouth as we anticipate those attendances being above 10,000. Therefore we do expect checks to be required for everyone, and there will be a procedure in place on arrival at those stadiums which will be the responsibility of the host clubs. We are in communication with these clubs and will share more information with supporters as soon as we have it.”
In general, we would encourage supporters to follow the following advice from Public Health Lincolnshire:
- Protect yourself – get your vaccine including the booster as soon as you are eligible
- Protect others – keep testing via lateral flow tests before you come to a match and, if you have any symptoms, even mild, do not travel but instead isolate and get a PCR test as soon as possible
- Remember the basics – hands; face; space; fresh air
Please ensure you look after each other and respect your fellow Imps as we navigate through this period together. Thank you for your exceptional support. #ImpsAsOne
