News. Supporters must prove Covid vaccine status

20210812-joelinton-covid-vaccine
Published
10 Dec 21

The Government has implemented Plan B of its Covid-19 Response. This means that conditions of entry for access to matches have changed. Only those who are either fully vaccinated, exempt or have received a negative Covid-19 test result within 48 hours prior to the match are allowed to attend.

ACTION REQUIRED

We are asking all supporters to complete this short online form to confirm that they meet the conditions of entry requirements.

If you are a hospitality client you will be contacted by a member of the hospitality team to discuss requirements and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.

This form should be completed by each adult season ticket holder.

Once your self-declaration has been registered you will be eligible to access St. James’ Park (or any away venues you have purchased tickets for), subject to passing relevant certification checks on matchday.

CERTIFICATION CHECKS

All stadiums will be carrying out extensive certification checks on match days. If proof is not shown, supporters aged 18 years or over will be denied access in line with legal requirements and a refund will not be available.

Certification checks can be met by showing either:

Supporters who are medically exempt can apply for a Covid-19 medical exemption online or by contacting the NHS support line on 119. You should be aware that the process can take up to 2-3 weeks from application to certification.

KEEPING EACH OTHER SAFE

We all need to remain vigilant and cautious to keep each other safe:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What certification do I need to show on a match day under Plan B?

All stadiums will be carrying out extensive certification checks on matchdays. The only form of certification is an NHS Covid-19 Pass for those who are double vaccinated, and for those who are medically exempt from vaccination.

I am exempt. What do I do?

If you are medically exempt from being vaccinated, from 24th December 2021 you will need to bring proof of exemption with you when you attend the game.

The Government has made clear that everyone will be required to provide proof of exemption in future and all supporters should prepare for this by applying for the relevant documentation on the Government website.

Do children have to provide proof of vaccination?

No. Currently persons aged under 18 are exempt from the requirements for vaccine certification. We will continue to align with Government guidance in relation to exemptions.

Does a single jab count?

No. The Government guidance is clear that adults require two doses of the vaccine to achieve certification status.

Do I need to have had a booster as well?

No. The Government guidance is clear that full vaccination status means two doses of the vaccine and does not require a booster jab. We encourage those supporters offered a booster to take this up.

It is anticipated that in future full vaccination certification may require a booster for those eligible.

If I choose not to be vaccinated and am not able to attend due to Plan B, can I get a refund?

Under current terms and conditions you are not entitled to a refund for any match you can’t attend.

We will however enable supporters to transfer their ticket to another party provided that they advise the Box Office and that the attendee adheres to the Covid-19 certification requirements.

Do I have to wear a face covering indoors?

Our concourse areas are hospitality settings and therefore not covered by the legal requirement to wear face coverings indoors.

Nevertheless, we recommend (as does the government guidance) that you should still continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.

Are any other forms of proof of vaccination acceptable?

As well as the NHS Covid Pass, we will accept printed versions of the QR Code in the form of a letter from the NHS. In relation to foreign certification, we will accept equivalent forms of certification from the country of origin.

If you have any further queries, please email [email protected].

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