Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor explains how regular coronavirus testing should be a 'viable' option for the National League
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Premier League and Football League clubs have had regular testing throughout the season while in the National League they are still not mandatory.
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Hide AdFor many clubs funding grants are not enough on their own, they are also seeking assurances surrounding testing. And Challinor feels National League clubs are now in a position to get regular tests.
“Testing has moved on now,” he told The Mail. “When the initial issue started, I don’t think it would have been advisable for our clubs to be taking tests off people who needed them when they were in limited supply.
"As a result, the cost of testing was substantial at the start but we’re at a stage now where it’s moved on and EFL clubs are having to be tested twice a week.
"For a lateral flow test, which we have some of, you’re looking at between £5 and £10 a test so if we wanted to test all of our players and staff twice a week it might only cost £250 which is a minimal amount really.
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Hide Ad"For me, it’s a lot more viable to get tested regularly whereas initially you were probably looking at £3,500 or £4,000 to test everyone which just wasn’t sustainable.
"There are decisions to be made there and we want to carry on playing and we’ve been fortunate but it’s important that it’s safe for everybody.”