Premier League season set to continue even as England enter third COVID-19 lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tonight announced an immediate and nearly full-scale lockdown in England, the third since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This one is expected to last until at least mid-February to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations throughout the country, mirroring similar developments and responses across many parts of Europe and North America.

Much like the first lockdown in March, schools will be closed as well, with people expected to stay home except for essential activities.

Unlike in the spring, “elite sports” will be counted as essential this time, and thus professional football will continue to operate as (new) normal. Unfortunately, grassroots and “non-elite” football will not be allowed to play on due to the restrictions.

While there’s been talk of a two-week ‘circuit breaker’ in the Premier League, there’s been no official calls yet to enact a stoppage. Four Premier League matches have been postponed since December; however the plan appears to be full steam ahead in spite of worrying trend coming from the newest COVID-19 variant.

As things stand, Chelsea will continue preparations for our upcoming FA Cup fixture against Morecambe this weekend.

Stay safe everyone!