The Herefordshire FA have issued a statement this morning in response to the news that a number of local schools have reported positive COVID-19 cases over recent days.
We have received reports that due to instances of COVID-19 within school’s specific year groups have been sent home as part of precautionary measures that have been put in place.Â
We have understandably been asked how this will affect football within the county. Please follow the latest FA Guidance which can be found HERE.
You will also find a COVID-19 FAQ document, which should answer any questions you may have.
For the avoidance of the doubt the relevant section for this situation is:
36) If a school send home a year group can that child still play football?
If a school has sent someone home to self-isolate, they must do exactly that – stay at home and not come into contact with anyone for the period of self-isolation. If they are sent home to self-isolate because they have symptoms, they should get a test and must stay at home for at least 10 days (although if the test comes back negative, they can end their isolation). If they are sent home because they’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, they must self-isolate for 14 days (and only get a test if they subsequently get symptoms themselves).
We have also received queries covering when players themselves test positive. Again, the relevant sections are set out below:
3) What happens if a player tests positive for COVID-19?
If there is a player who has tested positive, they must from that point self-isolate (or if they have symptoms, from the moment of symptoms) and NHS Test and Trace will pick up from this point. The player should contact NHS 111.
The Club can carry on, but be mindful to ensure all the guidelines are strictly followed on social distancing, handwashing etc. If Test and Trace contact them, they must provide the requested details and then, if advised, anyone needs to isolate on their instruction, do so.
4) What happens if I have played an opposition team and one of their players has tested positive for COVID-19?
Match play is not considered ‘close contact’ so no action is needed unless individuals experience symptoms, in which case they must self-isolate from that point as per government guidance.
We strongly advise people to refer to the guidance provided as we are not permitted to give specific advice.
