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Supporters must prove Covid vaccine status
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:
- Proof of full vaccination via the NHS Covid Pass, or
- Proof of a negative Covid-19 lateral flow test within 48 hours prior to the match (an email or text confirming negative result after the lateral flow test result has been reported on the NHS website), or
- That you are medically exempt from vaccinations. You can self-declare your medical exemption until 24th December 2021. After this date proof of medical exemption will be required to gain entry.
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:
- Supporters must not attend at the stadium if they have any Covid-19 or flu symptoms.
- If you feel unwell but do not have Covid-19 symptoms, you may still have an illness which could be passed on to other people. Supporters are asked not to attend if they feel unwell. Staying at home until you feel better reduces the risk that you will pass on an illness to your friends and other supporters. This will help reduce the burden on our health services.
- All supporters should wear a face covering in crowded indoor areas and maintain excellent hand hygiene.
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.
- Supporters who are double vaccinated can get an NHS Covid-19 Pass online or via the 119 phone service.
- Supporters who are medically exempt can get a Covid-19 Exemption Pass (this will be required from 24th December onwards and the application process can take up to 2-3 weeks)
- Supporters who have a negative lateral flow test result within 48 hours prior to the match can show a text or email confirming the result after it has been registered on the NHS website)
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].