Plan B Update for Supporters
By Mark Stevens
14/12/21
Ahead of our upcoming Gallagher Premiership game against Bristol Bears on Saturday, January 1 (4:30pm), Exeter Rugby Club would like to issue the following update for those supporters attending Sandy Park that day and beyond.
With sporting stadia across England poised to move to Plan B in a bid to fight the spread of the Omicron variant, it's imperative that we all take the necessary steps to prepare for a safe and welcoming arrival to the stadium.
As well as this online brief, the following information has also been sent via email to all Chiefs Season Ticket Holders.
As of Wednesday, December 15, the UK Government confirmed that the NHS Covid Pass, via the NHS App, will become mandatory for entry into any event with 10,000 or more attendees.
Therefore, match-days at Sandy Park will fall under these new rules.
Supporters need to be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses or register a negative Lateral Flow Test within 48 hours of the match-day. Please follow instructions on the NHS website here on how to get a NHS Covid Pass.
PLEASE GET READY
To be best prepared, we would ask all supporters aged 18 and over to take the following steps in advance, to ensure your matchday entry is as seamless as possible.
Download the NHS APP on the Apple Store or Google Play to your smartphone, iPad, tablet today.
Watch this NHS video on how to access your digital Covid Pass.
If you are fully vaccinated, you will be able to download a Covid Pass to your smartphone, iPad, tablet.
Due to the high volume of fans that will be trying to access the NHS app on match-days we recommend that, in advance you:
- Print a hard copy of your Covid Pass and bring it with you to the stadium on match-day.
- Save the digital Covid Pass to your smartphone’s digital wallet and/or your email.
- Screenshot the pass and save it to your digital “photos” folder as additional measure.
We also ask that ALL Chiefs Season Ticket Holders click on the below link
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get a COVID Pass?
You can download your COVID Pass via the NHS app. Click here for guidance.
If you are going to show your COVID Pass via a smartphone, save it 'offline' by downloading it to your Apply Pay or Google Wallet. This will avoid any connectivity problems at the ground.
I have not been vaccinated; can I still attend?
Yes, but you will be required to have a negative lateral flow test and obtain a COVID Pass.
What if I am exempt?
If you are medically exempt, we recommend calling 119 to obtain an official COVID Pass. This can take a little time, so if you are medically exempt, please alert the steward on arrival.
I have had my first jab, does that count?
No, to be considered fully vaccinated you must have had at least both doses. If you have only had your first one, then you must obtain a negative lateral flow test.
When will a COVID status apply?
A COVID status applies when you have one of the following:
• At least two doses of vaccine
• One dose of the Janssen Vaccine
• Had a negative lateral flow result within 48 hours of the match
• Hold an approved medical exemption
I had my second vaccination recently, is that acceptable?
If you had your second jab less than 14 days ago you will still require a negative lateral flow test.
Do I need to be triple jabbed?
You do not need to be triple jabbed to gain entry, however it is recommended by the NHS that all adults book the booster jab. You can do this here.
How can I book my vaccination?
Information about booking or managing a vaccination can be found here.
What is an acceptable COVID Pass?
Acceptable documentations are as follows:
• COVID Pass via the NHS app
• COVID Pass saved to the Apple/Google wallet
• A pdf version of the NHS COVID Pass
• An NHS negative test result email
• An NHS negative test result text message (dated within 48 hours of the fixture)
• COVID Pass letter for people that are double vaccinated
• EU Digital COVID certificate (along with ID)
Please note: all the above must have a valid date stamp.
Will I be able to take a lateral flow test at the stadium?
No, a lateral flow test should be completed prior to arrival. This will need to be registered with the NHS in order to have the appropriate evidence to show upon request. Do not bring your negative lateral flow test kit to the arena.
Can I bring the actual lateral flow test with me as proof?
No, we cannot accept the actual tests. You will need to upload the result to get your official pass.
What about EU COVID Passes?
We will accept EU Digital COVID certificate providing the holder is able to also show ID.
Why do I need to pre-register? Why can’t I just show up with my COVID Pass?
It is important for everyone’s safety that you confirm your COVID status before you arrive. This is a requirement in addition to being able to show a valid NHS COVID Pass or negative NHS COVID test result when asked at Sandy Park Stadium.
Will I need to complete declaration for every match?
If you are Season Member you will only need to complete this once. Match Ticket purchasers will need to complete this for each match they attend.
What happens if I do not bring a valid COVID Pass with me?
Unfortunately, without a valid COVID Pass you will not be permitted to enter the arena.
What about under-18s?
Under-18s are not required to hold a COVID Pass. However, if under-18s are displaying symptoms, we recommend they do not attend the match.
I completed a Health Declaration with the club previously (last season), so do I need to do this again?
Yes, this is a new declaration.
Where can I get a lateral flow test?
Advice on how to obtain a lateral flow test can be found here.
How soon before a match can I take a lateral flow?
To gain entry a lateral negative flow test result must be obtained within 48 hours of the match, although we recommend this is done within 12 hours.
Someone in my household has tested positive. Can I still attend the match?
For self-isolation rules please follow government guidelines here.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are required in all indoor areas and concourses except when eating or drinking. We recommend wearing them when in the seating bowl, but it is not a requirement.
How long will Plan B be in place?
The government have stated that this will be reviewed on January 4, 2022 although this date may be subject to change.
What if I am booking as part of a group?
If you are the lead booker you must take responsibility to ensure that all those attending hold a valid COVID Pass or will take a lateral flow within 48 hours of the match. You can sign the declaration on their behalf, but you need to ensure they are aware that failure to provide proof on the day with result in them being denied entry.