Last night, the Government introduced new legislation which sees England move to ‘Plan B’ to fight the spread of the Omicron variant.
As a result, a number of new Covid-19 protocols have now come into place which will affect supporters attending upcoming matches at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
The new legislation requires everyone aged 18 and over attending sports events with a capacity of more than 10,000 people to provide proof, via an NHS COVID Pass, of double vaccination, or a negative Covid-19 test (lateral flow or PCR) from within the previous 48 hours, before being permitted entry.
Also, all supporters aged over 11 are now required to wear face coverings in all indoor areas of sports stadia, unless eating or drinking. This covers the hospitality areas, toilets, concourses and stairwells inside the ground, as well as the Saints Store and Ticket Office.
This legislation comes into effect from today (Wednesday 15 December 2021) but will first affect a match at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens for the home fixture against Saracens on Sunday 2 January 2022, kick-off: 3pm.
We strongly advise that supporters download a digital NHS COVID Pass in order to prove their vaccination/test status.
To find out how to access your digital NHS COVID Pass, please watch the video below. If you are fully vaccinated or have submitted a negative test result, you will be able to download this to your smartphone.
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a smartphone or computer, and have been double vaccinated, you can call 119 for a copy of your NHS COVID Pass letter – this can take up to five working days to reach you, so make sure you order it in good time before the match if required. You can also download and print a version of your letter through www.nhs.uk.
Due to the high volume of fans that will be trying to access the NHS app on matchdays, we recommend that you arrive at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in plenty of time, and in advance you:
- Save the digital NHS COVID Pass to your smartphone’s digital wallet and/or your email (you can also screenshot the pass and save it to your photos folder as additional measure).
- Alternatively, print a hard copy of your NHS COVID Pass and bring it with you to the Gardens on matchday.
It can take up to ten days to receive your NHS COVID Pass, so please ensure you start the process as soon as possible if you are attending a match in the coming weeks.
Please note the confirmation card you receive when having your vaccination WILL NOT be accepted as proof of your vaccination status.
FAQs
Q: WHAT ARE THE NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS?
A: Other than in limited circumstances, the new Covid-19 restrictions require everyone aged 18 and over attending cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on a matchday to present an NHS COVID Pass before entry. The NHS COVID Pass requires one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination (two doses) against Covid-19
- A negative Lateral Flow or PCR test result from within the previous 48 hours
In addition, supporters aged 11 or over are required to wear face covers in indoor setting unless eating or drinking.
Q: WHAT IS AN NHS COVID PASS AND HOW CAN I GET IT?
A: NHS COVID Passes show your Covid-19 vaccination status or test results. You can access your NHS COVID Pass digitally through the NHS app or online NHS COVID Pass service where you can download digitally to your smartphone, take a screenshot, or print it at home. If you cannot apply digitally, you can ask for a COVID pass letter to be sent in the post from your GP. Click here to visit the NHS website to access your NHS COVID Pass.
Please note the confirmation card you receive when having your vaccination WILL NOT be accepted as proof of your vaccination status. For examples of NHS COVID Passes that will be accepted please click HERE.
Q: I DO NOT HAVE A COVID PASS / I’M NOT VACCINATED, DOES THAT MEAN I CANNOT ATTEND GAMES?
A: At present a negative Lateral Flow or PCR test from within the previous 48 hours would grant you access to the Stadium, even if you have not been vaccinated. Please DO NOT bring the Lateral Flow test with you, but be prepared to show confirmation from the NHS that the test was negative on either the NHS app, or an NHS Test and Trace email or text message.
- Click here to order free Lateral Flow tests from the Government website.
- Click here to register a Lateral Flow test result.
Q: AM I ABLE TO TAKE A LATERAL FLOW TEST AT THE GROUND ON MATCHDAY?
A: The Club is not able to provide any Lateral Flow tests for supporters at the ground.
Q: DO I HAVE TO WEAR A FACE COVERING NOW?
A: Face covers are now required in indoor settings for anyone aged 11 and over unless you are eating or drinking. When moving around the concourses, hospitality areas, Saints Store or Ticket Office you will be required to wear a face cover. However, to keep everyone safe, we encourage all supporters to wear face coverings throughout the ground.
Q: I AM UNDER 18, DO I NEED A COVID PASS TO ATTEND MATCHES?
A: No, COVID Passes are only required for supporters aged 18 and over. However, to keep everyone safe, we encourage all supporters under 18 years of age to return a negative Lateral Flow or PCR test before entering the ground.
Q: MY COVID PASS HAS EXPIRED, WHAT DO I DO?
A: If you have the NHS app you can request an update of your NHS COVID Pass. Please ensure this is done in plenty of time ahead of the game as without it you will be refused entry.
Q: MY COVID PASS HASN’T ARRIVED IN TIME, WHAT CAN I DO?
A: If you haven’t got your COVID Pass you can take a Lateral Flow test and register the result with the NHS. You will receive a text and / or email confirmation of the result which you can show at the turnstiles. Please note tests must be taken no more than 48 hours before the game.
Q: DO I NEED A SMARTPHONE AND THE NHS APP TO GET A COVID PASS?
A: No, you can download your NHS COVID Pass and print it off from the NHS website or you can request a paper version from your GP. Click here for more information.
Q: DO I NEED TO GO ANYWHERE DIFFERENT AT THE STADIUM FOR MY COVID PASS TO BE CHECKED?
A: No, please come to the turnstiles and you may be asked by stewards to show your NHS COVID Pass prior to entry. We anticipate this may cause increased queues so please arrive early if possible.
Q: MY TICKET HAS BEEN BOUGHT BY SOMEONE ELSE, DOES THE NAME NEED TO MATCH THE ONE ON MY COVID PASS?
A: The name on your match ticket does not need to match the name on your NHS COVID Pass.
Q: I HAVE A MEDICAL EXEMPTION, SO I AM UNVACCINATED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
A: You can take a Lateral Flow or PCR test within 48 hours of the game and show the stewards your email or text message confirmation of a negative result.
Q: I WAS VACCINATED OUTSIDE THE UK, AM I ABLE TO USE AN INTERNATIONAL COVID PASS?
A: Yes, we will be accepting international COVID Passes – including EU Digital COVID Certificates. Alternatively, you can show confirmation of a negative Lateral Flow or PCR test via the NHS app or an NHS Test and Trace email or text message.
If you have a query that is not covered above, please contact [email protected].
