Matchday Info: Covid-19 Spot Checks Introduced For Wolves Game

Saturday’s visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers (September 11) marks Watford FC’s second home clash of the 2021/22 Premier League season, with all at the club delighted to welcome fans back to Vicarage Road once again.

With the return to full stadiums it is vital that everyone works together to make matchdays safe during the ongoing pandemic, to protect the health of everyone involved while preventing further capacity restrictions in the future.

Fans planning to attend this weekend’s game should be aware there has been an update to the Coronavirus protocols put in place since the season-opening victory over Aston Villa, with Covid status spot checks now in operation.

The Government has indicated that Covid certification checks are likely to be mandatory for those attending large events from October 1. In line with Premier League guidance, Watford FC has decided to bring such regulations forward to September 11.

Fans will still be granted access if they cannot confirm their Covid-19 status for now, but will be advised that if such checks become mandatory as expected, failure to comply will result in them being denied entry into Vicarage Road.

Supporters coming to matches on and beyond Saturday should be ready to have their Covid status checked. This process will be conducted through use of the NHS Covid Pass, which is available via the NHS app or via other NHS services.

All adult fans (18+) should be prepared to present their NHS Covid Pass upon request to confirm they meet one of the following criteria:

• Have been double vaccinated for more than two weeks
• Have received a negative Covid-19 PCR or lateral flow test result within 48 hours of kick-off
• Have Covid antibodies having tested positive for Covid within the last six months

Supporters with disabilities or medical conditions who are exempt from vaccination or COVID testing should advise our staff accordingly, when requested to confirm they meet these criteria.

All children under the age of 18 are exempt from Covid certification checks.

We recommend you obtain your NHS Covid Pass by downloading and using the NHS app on your smartphone. Please note this app is separate to the NHS Covid-19 app used for contract tracing and for checking into venues.

The NHS app is available on Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded using the links below:

• App Store
• Google Play

If using the app, we strongly encourage fans to obtain their NHS Covid Pass in advance of travelling to the match, to avoid any connectivity issues that may arise at the stadium.

Alternatively, you can request a Covid Pass letter by telephoning 119 or via the NHS website, however this may take up to five working days. A downloadable PDF version can be obtained on the website.

Supporters may show a text message or email that confirms they have received a negative Covid-19 test. Lateral flow tests taken at home must have been reported into the public reporting system.

Supporters may also show an EU Digital Covid Certificate, or similar certificates issued in other non-EU countries.

Arrive Early

Please plan your journey in advance and arrive at Vicarage Road early to assist us in getting everyone in the ground before kick-off. We strongly advise arriving no later than 30 minutes prior to kick-off. Fans may need additional time to get used to using the new ticketing system. Please also make allowances for time required to complete any additional security or screening checks.

Ticketing

Fans can now use Apple Wallet or Google Pay to store their NFC (Near-Field Communication) matchday and season tickets. Click HERE for details on how to add your ticket to your mobile device.

For all information relating to NFC mobile ticketing and entering the stadium, click HERE.

Face Masks

Fans are encouraged to wear a face mask when they are queueing to get into the ground, on the concourse or in the toilets. Supporters may remove their mask when in their designated seat. Only sit in your designated seat and remain seated whenever possible. All staff at Vicarage Road will be wearing face masks.

Personal Hygiene

Please follow good hygiene behaviours, washing or sanitising your hands regularly and avoiding unnecessary contact with commonly-touched surfaces. There are hand sanitisers placed around the ground for everyone's use.

Working Together

Please follow directional signs and follow all instructions given by stewards or other stadium staff to ensure everyone's safety. Please also be respectful to those around you, avoiding hugs, high fives and unnecessary close contact with people you don't know.

Supporter Code Of Conduct

Ticket holders must comply with the Supporter Code of Conduct to help keep their fellow fans safe. The Watford FC Supporter Code of Conduct is available HERE.

The Hornets Shop

Please allow extra time if visiting The Hornets Shop on a matchday, as we will be managing entry and you may have to queue.

Parking

There are a variety of new parking options for supporters on home matchdays. Click HERE for more information.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone for your patience and assistance.