The Premier League have reverted to emergency measures after a record number of Covid-19 cases were recorded.
42 positive tests for coronavirus were confirmed among 20 clubs, the highest amount in a single week since weekly testing figures were first announced in May 2020.
The UK government today urged people to receive their vaccine booster jab, with the Omicron variant on the rise ahead of the Christmas period.
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.
"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."
The news follows Tottenham Hotspur's fixture against Brighton on Sunday being postponed after eight Spurs players and five members of staff tested positive and their Europa Conference League clash with French outfit Rennes was also called off.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's clash with Brentford on Tuesday has been postponed after the Red Devils closed their Carrington training ground due to a coronavirus outbreak.
A statement from United late on Monday read: "Manchester United can confirm that our Premier League fixture at Brentford FC, on Tuesday 14 December at 19:30, has been postponed and will be rescheduled in due course.
“Following PCR confirmation of positive LFT Covid-19 tests among the first-team staff and players, the outbreak requires ongoing surveillance.
"A decision was taken to close first-team operations at the Carrington Training Complex for 24 hours to help minimise risk of further infection, and individuals who tested positive are isolating in line with Premier League protocols.
“Given cancellation of training and disruption to the squad, and with the health of players and staff the priority, the Club requested the match to be rearranged.
"The Premier League Board took the decision to postpone based on guidance from medical advisors.
“Manchester United regrets the inconvenience caused to Brentford FC and to the fans of both clubs by Covid-19.”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has plead for more clarity on the criteria for a coronavirus-enforced postponement, stating: "If we could make it very clear what the rules are for cancelling a game that would be very good.
"All of that just takes focus away from what we all want to focus on which is the football. I am 100 per sure that the Premier League will continue through the winter; I am in no doubt about that."
"That is why we have the vaccines and boosters; we will continue. Every club, and every person in the world, can be hit by Covid."
