National League set to introduce mandatory coronavirus testing for all clubs

Clubs will be required to issue lateral flow tests to players and staff twice a week from February 15.

Tests will be provided at no cost to clubs.

The plans still need final approval by the National League board.

Lateral flow tests return results within 30 minutes.

Clubs will receive 30 testing kits to cover players and staff each week, according to Chester director Jim Green.

The majority of National League clubs have been calling for mandatory testing since the season got underway in October.

Gloucester City co-chairman, Alex Petheram, posted on Twitter: “Well done@TheVanaramaNL. Covid testing is now being rolled out at no costs to the clubs. Packs should arrive w/c 15th Feb.

“So with testing now in hand, funding support offered to those that need it ... we can play football ... right?”

It comes as Chesterfield’s players and management have begun another 10-day isolation period after a player returned a positive coronavirus test result.

The player developed symptoms before Saturday’s FA Trophy match against Aldershot Town, resulting in the game being postponed one hour before kick-off.

It is the third time the Spireites, currently 15th in the National League after 18 games, have had to isolate since December.

Players and staff in the Football League have been undergoing mandatory tests since January, funded by the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Clubs in the Premier League have been testing their players and staff since last year.