ENHANCED training ground protocols and increased testing have been brought in by the EFL amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

All 72 Football League clubs, including Oxford United, will now be required to implement enhanced ‘red protocols’ for first team training sessions.

Social distancing measures will be required outside of physical sessions, along with restrictions to the use of indoor facilities and group travel.

Clubs will be expected to implement daily testing and any person with a positive test will be required to take a PCR test and isolate in line with Government guidance.

See also: Karl Robinson confirms Covid case at Oxford United ahead of Wigan match

Guidance on fixtures has also been given, with clubs expected to play when 14 players, including a goalkeeper from the registered squad list, are available.

When a club states it cannot fulfil a fixture, a report shall be filed with the EFL, and the circumstances reviewed.

The EFL is also encouraging all players and staff to get fully vaccinated with the latest data showing that 75 per cent of players are either fully vaccinated, have had a single jab or intend to be vaccinated.

Double vaccinated players total 59 per cent. A quarter of players do not intend to get a vaccine.