CLUB: What ‘Plan B’ means for Carlisle United

If this changes fans will be informed as soon as possible.

We plan to operate with a revised capacity under the ‘Plan-B’ requirements, as follows:

• Total capacity 9,999
• Standing capacity 3,999
• Seated capacity 6,000

This means we do not expect attendance to make mandatory certification applicable.

At this point, all areas (except Waterworks North End) are planned to remain open.

At these levels of expected attendance there will be no mandatory Covid certification required at Brunton Park under ‘Plan-B’.

There will be no requirement to show vaccination status or a recent negative test to enter the stadium and come to games.

Fans should be aware, the limit on terrace places at 3,999 means tickets demand could outstrip supply.  Fans wishing to stand are advised to buy in advance.

Mandatory face coverings

Supporters will not be required to wear a face covering when located in their seat, or on the terrace, in the stadium bowl.

All supporters aged 11 and over will be legally required to wear a face covering when located in all indoor areas of the stadium, other than when eating or drinking, or where exempt.

Mandatory face-coverings for indoor settings do not extend to hospitality and bar settings in the club. Hence face coverings in Foxy’s, the hospitality boxes, lounges, and the west stand bars are not mandatory.

Face coverings are required in the East Stand concourse and all other inside areas, such as toilets and entry and exit vomitories.

Face coverings are strongly recommended when brushing past others or moving in or out and around the stadium outside (like queuing to get in).

We will continue to operate our Social distanced area in Section 8 of the Pioneer East stand where fans can sit with more space and face-coverings are mandatory while in your seat.

Covid-19 Spectator Code of Conduct

Whilst we will not be introducing mandatory Covid certification at this time, it is critical all our fans continue to play their part in minimising the risk our games pose to fellow fans and the wider community.  We remain fully committed to this.

Fans must continue to follow our Covid-19 Spectator Code of Conduct. We have updated the Covid-19 Spectator Code of Conduct to reflect the changes associated with ‘Plan B’.

Click HERE to read the updated document.

At all times and in all parts of Brunton Park please observe ‘hands, face, space’ guidelines, as follows:

• Arrive in good time to avoid queues and congestion.
• Do not enter Red Zone non-spectator areas.
• For spectators in standing areas give space to each other and spread out where possible.
• Use contactless payment where possible.
• If you need to access any of Brunton Park’s amenities, such as toilets, food and drink outlets, or concessions please try and avoid busy period and overcrowding.
• Remain in your seat or place and, as far as possible, wait for a time when the gangway is clear.
• Supporters will not be required to wear a face covering when located in their seat or on the terrace within the stadium bowl.
• All supporters aged 11 and over will be legally required to wear a face covering when located in all indoor areas, other than when eating or drinking, or where exempt. Face-coverings are mandatory for indoor settings, but do not extend hospitality and bar settings in the club. Hence face coverings in Foxy’s, the hospitality boxes, lounges, or the West Stand bars are not mandatory. Face coverings must be worn in the East Stand concourse and all other inside areas, like toilets and entry and exit vomitories.
• Face coverings are strongly recommended when brushing past others, or when moving in or around the stadium outside in close proximity to others (such as queuing to get in).
• If you are moving past other spectators, to and from your seat, please avoid where possible face-to-face contact with them, sometimes called the ‘brush past’ – show courtesy and turn your back as you pass.
• Maintain good hand hygiene – use the sanitiser dispensers provided and avoid touching your face, or handles, railings, etc, whenever possible.
• Always cover your mouth if needing to cough or sneeze.

If supporters have any queries pre-match, please call the ticket office on 03300 945 930.

If supporters have any concerns on match day, visit the ticket office or contact a steward, or the SLO team of ‘meeters and greeters’.

We ask that all supporters and visitors treat all staff and club officials with respect as we introduce these new restrictions. Abuse or threatening behaviour towards staff or club officials will not be tolerated.

This information is valid as at 14 December and may be subject to future changes.

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First team staff and players

As a club we have maintained the basic principles of dealing with Covid-19 which were initially introduced in March 2019, and which have been updated and modified regularly since.

The football department operates in Red Zones both on match days and throughout the week, with access to those zones restricted to essential visits only for non-football staff and contractors.

Players are on a regular cycle of lateral flow tests, and are under the close supervision of the club’s medical staff for advice, should they have any concerns.

The vaccination status of individuals is monitored, with seating and rooming lists compiled accordingly for away trips.

Player match day and non-match day community appearances have been restricted, with only safe, socially distanced external visits approved. This has seen Family Zone and mascot activity decrease significantly, and the children’s annual Christmas party will not go ahead.

Sadly, our planned Christmas trip to Jigsaw has had to be postponed as concerns over Omicron continue to increase.

We continue to ask fans not to come to the training sessions as we look to maintain a Covid bubble.

Although not guaranteed to provide complete protection for our playing staff in what is an ever-changing and dynamic landscape, we continue to do everything we can to keep Covid ‘out of the building’ and we thank you for your help and assistance with that.

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Background

Click HERE to read our Spectator Code of Conduct.

For more information on the latest COVID-19 guidelines in response to the Omicron variant, visit GOV.UK/coronavirus.

New COVID-19 cases rose in Cumbria for the first time since late October, as the government announced further measures to combat the spread of the Omicron variant. In Cumbria, case rates remain below the England average.

In his latest update, Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health said:

“While we’re still awaiting official confirmation, we do have a small number of cases in Cumbria which are very likely to be the Omicron variant. We can certainly expect more cases of the Omicron variant locally in the coming days and weeks.

“The Plan B measures reduce transmission and I’d strongly encourage everyone to take heed and think carefully about what you do as we head towards Christmas.

“Remember that vaccination is still the best way of keeping yourself safe, and doing a Lateral Flow Test before meeting up with other people helps protect everyone.”

In response to increasing case rates nationally, and growing concern about the potential impact of the Omicron variant, the government announced the implementation of so called ‘Plan B’ measures, including:

1. From 10 Dec, mandatory face covering rules will be extended to most indoor settings (but will not include hospitality settings).
2. From 13 Dec, guidance will be for people to work from home, if they can.
3. From 15 Dec, introduction of mandatory Covid certification for certain settings. This will mean a requirement to show vaccination status or a recent negative test to enter certain high-risk settings.

From Friday, all supporters aged 11 and over will be legally required to wear a face covering when located in indoor areas, other than when eating or drinking, or where exempt.

We have received guidance from the government and the EFL and there was an all-club meeting to consider measures on Monday. The Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) detailed guidance is still awaited.

The capacity thresholds for COVID Certification will apply to football matches that fall within the following criteria:

• Where the expected attendance exceeds 10,000 seated or …
• Where the expected attendance exceeds 4,000 standing or …
• Where the expected attendance in an indoor venue (ie hospitality lounge / bar) exceeds 500 standing.