“English Premier League Won’t Stop Despite New England Lockdown” – Minister, Boris Johnson

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed the Premier League will continue despite announcing a second national lockdown will come into force next week.

The Prime Minister announced new restrictions for England, which will begin next Thursday and run until December 2 to combat COVID-19 and avoid the NHS being overwhelmed.

Football fans will remember that live sport was among the many industries impacted by the first national lockdown as Premier League football took an involuntary three-month hiatus between March and June.

“The changes mean people should work from home where possible,” tweeted culture secretary Oliver Dowden.

“But where this is not possible, travel to a place of work will be permitted – e.g. this includes (but not exhaustive) elite sport played behind closed doors.”

The EFL, women’s football down to reserve level, and the National League, are all classified as elite sport and are permitted to continue behind closed doors.

Gyms will be shut but people can continue to exercise for unlimited periods outdoors, either with people from their own households or on a one-to-one basis with one person from another household.

During the news conference, Johnson gave a thumbs up and said ‘Yes to the Premier League’ when asked if top-flight football will continue.