Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses visit to 'coronavirus hotspot' Dagenham & Redbridge and the introduction of mandatory testing in the National League

All 66 National League clubs across three divisions will be provided with lateral flow tests for players and staff to be tested twice a week.

This will come into effect from Monday, February 15, after Challinor’s Hartlepool United side have visited coronavirus ‘hotspot’ Dagenham & Redbridge this weekend.

Dagenham’s Chigwell Construction Stadium is currently operating under incredibly strict coronavirus restrictions due to its location. According to The Daggers, only people deemed ‘essential to the running of the game’ will be permitted access to the ground on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

These are by far the most strict protocols adopted by a National League club Pools have faced so far this season, but Challinor isn’t overly concerned by the increased risk this weekend.

“It doesn’t bother us, we’re in a position where all we can do is put things in place that make it as safe as possible for us,” he said.

“There are risks in everyday life unfortunately so going to the supermarket and going into training is a risk. This weekend, those risks are slightly more increased because we’re on a bus for so many hours and spending time in a hotel.

"We can only do what we can and at the minute things are getting put in place for lateral flow testing and that should happen from the start of next week.”

Pools can count themselves fairly fortunate to have no matches postponed due to coronavirus cases within the club so far this season. They’ve had just two isolated cases so far.

And the introduction of mandatory testing from next week is a welcome one.

“[Testing] eradicates some concerns and we’ll have knowledge on whether we have players who are asymptomatic and carrying the virus,” Challinor added.

“That will make things more rigid in terms of protocols and give people assurances that things are more safe.

"You try and eliminate as many risks as you can and for a club who are involved in elite football, we’re the last ones to get that testing but by Monday hopefully we’ll see that come into play.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

We’ve launched a new transfer window special offer for readers to get 20% off our subscription package.

Use the promo code TRANSFER20 to sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor