As you may be aware the Government, FA and the Isthmian League have revised their guidance on allowing limited spectators at step 4 level football. Final guidance has only been received today, Thursday 20th August, to allow the return of limited spectators from Saturday 22nd August in a limited phased capacity.

The pre-conditions for allowing spectators into the ground require a risk assessment to be undertaken and measures put in place to make the ground COVID-19 safe to protect players, staff, volunteers, and spectators. We have completed the risk assessment and at this time due to short notice, not all the required measures will be in place to fully open the ground.

For the friendly against Concord Rangers on Saturday 22nd August, a maximum of 200 supporters will be allowed into the ground (FA Requirement) and only the Danny Green Community Stand will be open (disabled supporters can use the disabled area in the Jack King Stand. If the 200 limit is reached there will be no further entry to the ground.

The bar will be open but has limited capacity with seated customers only. No standing customers are permitted in the bar. Once capacity in the bar has been reached all customers will need to leave the bar area after being served. The current restrictions in the bar will mean longer queues and waiting times to be served. The burger bar and tea bar will be closed for this match.

Please do not come to the ground if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. All supporters attending will be temperature checked and will be required to give their name and contact number for track and trace purposes before being allowed to enter the ground. Anybody with a temperature above 37.6 °C or refusing to leave contact details will be refused entry to the ground.

Please have the correct entry money to avoid staff handling money and to shorten the queuing time. Admission will be priced at £10.00 per person with no concession or child rates for this match.

There will be a one-way system in operation in the stadium stewards will advise. Normal social distancing rules should be observed whilst in the stadium. Supporters should not stand in groups of more than 6 people from different households and maintain where possible 2m distancing.

We plan to use the home friendly with Phoenix Sports on Saturday 5th September as a level one trial event with a maximum capacity of 200 spectators and all facilities open prior to our FA Cup game on Saturday 12th September to test our COVID-19 procedures. We will publish new guidelines for supporters prior to this match.

The updated risk assessment is available to view on our website. This outlines the measures we will have to put in place before we can safely allow spectators back into the ground.

We appreciate your patience and understanding at this difficult time. We will update our position when we receive further guidance from the FA/League or we need to update our position based on lessons learned from trials.

Nick Wright
Director/COVID-19 Officer
Canvey Island FC