Oxford United players and staff will begin testing for symptoms of Covid-19 tomorrow, with the plan to then return to training on Monday.
United’s first team have been furloughed over the last few weeks and training individually. Some have used the facilities at the Oxford Sports Park Training Ground but if testing allows then they will be able to step things up next week and train in small groups under all of the current health guidelines as we await a decision from the EFL on how the season resumes or finishes.
The tests will be carried out on a regular basis and all players and staff will have to report their temperatures each morning before reporting for training, which will be carried out strictly under the EFL training protocols which are in place.
All EFL clubs have recently been issued with updated documentation in relation to the Return to Training Protocol including information on Football Specific Risk Assessment and Training Design Guidance, COVID-19 FAQ’s, and Guidance Notes for Testing of COVID-19
All clubs are required to demonstrate that they have the required processes in place in respect of the testing of players and staff, and the U’s have completed the necessary paperwork.
Karl Robinson told us:
“The players have stayed fit and we have been in touch all the way through but we think we are the first club in League 1 to arrange for full testing on Friday.
“We will get the results within 48 hours and provided everyone is OK then we can start training in small groups. The level of detail is incredible- distances have to be observed, we won’t be using the main building, there won’t be group meetings or eating together like usual and only the staff who have been tested can be on site, but it’s a start and a really positive step in the right direction.”