TOTTENHAM are set to become the first Premier League club to trial the NHS Covid passport for supporters entering their stadium.
All adults attending Spurs‘ friendly with North London rivals Arsenal on August 8 will have to show they have had two doses of the vaccine, obtained a negative test for the virus or have natural immunity stemming from a previous infection.
The ‘passport’ in question – which has been reported by both The Mail and The Mirror – is the result of Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for organisers of large events to implement the Covid safety measures.
Johnson addressed the controversial issue surrounding vaccine passports during his speech on July 19, otherwise known as ‘Freedom Day’.
He said: “We’re concerned, as they are in other countries, by the continuing risk posed by nightclubs.
“I should serve notice now that by the end of September, when all over 18s will have had their chance to be double jabbed, we’re planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather.
“Proof of a negative test will no longer be enough.”
Meanwhile, the statement on the Spurs club website read slightly different to Boris’ announcement as negative tests will be enough to enter the stadium if you have not had both doses of the vaccine.
Spurs said: “Tottenham Hotspur will be trialling the use of the NHS COVID Pass to verify the vaccination or Covid status of supporters attending our Men’s and Women’s matches against Arsenal on Sunday 8 August.
‘”ll adult supporters attending the Arsenal double-header will be required to present their NHS COVID Pass, generated by the NHS App, on their mobile device as they enter the stadium to confirm they are either fully vaccinated or have received a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of kick-off.
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“Please note, if you have not yet received both required COVID-19 jabs, you will be required to take either a PCR or rapid lateral flow test.
“Passes will be checked by a steward between the initial ticket check at the bottom of the stairs leading to our podiums and ahead of arrival at our turnstiles.”
If transmission of the coronavirus remains high, the government are expected to implement measures at the beginning of October to ensure all spectators at mass events have had two doses of the vaccine.
And Spurs confirmed their measures for the Arsenal game are a trial for what is set to come into force in October.
They added: “This follows recent government announcements and the necessity for the Club to begin preparations for the potential of full vaccination against Covid-19 being a condition of entry to large events from 1 October.
“It also further ensures the safety and comfort of our supporters, players and staff as we begin hosting capacity crowds for the first time since March, 2020.”
Despite Tottenham’s announcement, not all Premier League clubs are expected to have a Covid certification scheme in place by the start of the season on August 13.
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