The recently updated guidance from the FA and the Government contains information on the use of QR codes for Test and Trace purposes that will have implications and actions for us as a club and all members or supporters attending matches or training sessions.

At our various home venues - The Rec, Burghfield CSA and Mortimer West End Cricket Club - we must now display an official NHS QR code to help NHS Test and Trace identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. Anybody attending our home matches last weekend will have seen these in use.

This is a mandatory requirement for us as a club that has been effective from 24th September 2020.

NHS Test and Trace is a key part of the country's ongoing COVID-19 response. The NHS COVID-19 app has a feature that allows users to quickly and easily ‘check in’ to a venue by scanning the code. Subsequently, if there is an outbreak associated with a venue a message will be sent to the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice.

If people who have come into contact with the virus can be rapidly detected we can take swift action to minimise transmission. This will help to avoid the reintroduction of further restrictions, including local lockdown measures, and allow to continuation of grassroots football to be played.

Everybody aged 16 or over will be expected to either 'check in' using the app (preferable) or provide their name and contact details, which will kept for 21 days as per the latest guidelines.

In addition to this please continue to follow other Government guidance including following social distancing guidelines.

All team managers and Heads of Age will have a copy of the QR codes for our various venues, and they can also be found below and in the COVID-19 section on our website.

You can download the NHS COVID-19 app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Should you have any queries on this latest guidance and the implications for us as a club please contact our Club Welfare Officer, Clare Farmer.