The Premier League have reverted to emergency measures after a record number of Covid-19 cases were recorded during the latest round of testing.
It has been confirmed that there were 42 positive cases amond the 20 top-flight clubs, the highest amount in a single week since weekly testing figures were first announced in May 2020.
In comparison, there were 12 positive cases from 3154 tests between November 29 and December 5, while there were nine positive cases during the first week of the season back in August.
In a statement, the Premier League said: "The safety of everybody is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.
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"The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and will increase the frequency of both Lateral Flow and PCR COVID-19 testing of players and staff.
"The League can today confirm that between Monday 6 December and Sunday 12 December 3,805 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, there were 42 new positive cases.
"The Premier League’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are applicable to all clubs, include protocols such as wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time. These are in addition to the more frequent testing.
"We will continue to work closely with the Government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance."
Tottenham Hotspur were the first Premier Laegue club to have matches postponed due to Covid-19 this season after their recent matches against Rennes and Brighton & Hove Albion were called off.
There have been reports that Manchester United's midweek clash with Brentford could be in doubt, while the Athletic claimed that Aston Villa had to cancel their recovery session on Sunday following some positive tests at the training ground.
The emergency measures may potentially see more matches postponed which could effect Newcastle United ahead of their daunting fixture schedule.
The Magpies travel to Liverpool on Thursday, before they face Manchester City at St James' Park this weekend.
Should the Red Devils' next two matches get called off due to Covid-19, their next game will be against Newcastle on Monday, December 27.
Eddie Howe's side end the calendar year with a trip to Everton on December and Magpies fans will be keen to get to January with as many points as possible, however, any postponement would effect their schedule.
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