Hibs’ Betfred Cup opponents Dundee will have to be tested ahead of their last 16 ties, although Hearts and Alloa are exempt.
For league matches only Scottish Premiership clubs are required to swab test players before games, while lower league clubs aren’t due to the cost of regular testing.
However, given top flight and lower league clubs were in regular opposition during the group stages of the competition, testing for fixtures where they played each other became mandatory, and this has now been extended to the second round.
In addition, any club that cannot fulfill their fixture due to positive test results will forfeit the tie, with the other side awarded a 3-0 win and in effect, a bye into the quarter-finals.
If neither club is able to field a side due to COVID, or fail to “notify significant numbers of negative test results”, lots will be drawn to decide who goes through.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Given the fact that the fixture calendar this season is the tightest in living memory, we have had to take unprecedented steps to ensure that the Betfred Cup matches have definitive results based on the original fixture dates.
“We’re grateful for the vigilance of all clubs involved as we cope with the ongoing and significant challenges presented by Covid-19.
“The level of co-operation and mutual support from clubs across the divisions is enormously encouraging. Everyone recognises that we depend on each other to protect the game, so that we can get back to some degree of normality as soon as possible.
“There will undoubtedly continue to be challenges as we progress through the season, but everyone in the game is determined to play their part in ensuring that the best possible football, in the safest possible conditions, is delivered across all divisions and in every competition.”
Despite facing each other in the final group game at the same venue only last Sunday, a 4-1 win for Hibs side ensured they were seeded for the draw, which inevitably paired them with James McPake’s side in Leith once again.
Hearts head to Alloa for their encounter just four days after hosting them in the league at Tynecastle.
