Northants match preparations continue
The Club can confirm that preparations are continuing as we look ahead welcoming the players and support staff of Northamptonshire from Thursday 3 June, and Kent Cricket representatives remain in regular contract with ECB, the local public health authorities and also the local Safety Advisory Group for Canterbury City Council.
Following the announcement that surge testing for COVID-19 has been implemented in Canterbury, the Club has been advised the introduction of the new enhancing testing programme is a precautionary measure.
Whilst the numbers of infection are relatively small, they are enough to cause some concern, and the enhanced testing programme is designed to help health officials get better idea of what’s happening in the community with regards to transmission.
Public Health officials at Kent County Council are urging anyone living, working or studying in all CT1 postcodes and the CT2 7 postcode to take a PCR Test at one of the five new test sites.
The units will be located at the city’s three City Council-owned Park and Ride services, in New Dover Road, Wincheap and Sturry Road; and at Darwin College car park and Keynes College car park at the University of Kent.
Testing units will be open for walk-in appointments only from 09:00 until 19:00, seven days a week until 15 June. Appointments cannot be booked.
As things stand today, the Club’s LV= Insurance County Championship match against Northants scheduled to begin on Thursday 3 June will go ahead as planned.
Kent Cricket CEO, Simon Storey, said: “As we have continuously communicated throughout the pandemic, the health & safety of all our staff as well as our Members, supporters and visitors to Kent Cricket venues remains our top priority.
“We have worked very hard to ensure that our existing COVID-19 match day protocols are robust. Whilst the weather intervened with play, our first match with crowds for two years against Glamorgan went exceptionally smoothly at an operational level and demonstrated our ability to host a cricket event with crowds successfully.
“Coupled with the knowledge that vaccinations are very effective against all variants and the increasing evidence that there is limited transmission in open air, we remain confident in the protocol and arrangements we have in place. Everyone is working hard to complete our preparations.
“However, the announcement today of surge testing in Canterbury is a reminder of how important it is to remain on our guard and not be complacent. Every one of us must act responsibly and continue to follow the various protocol we have implemented.
“Members and supporters must be aware of their responsibilities with a particular focus on indoor areas such as toilets, the café and bar areas and hospitality areas where the ‘rule of six’ applies.
“Every member of our small team is working tirelessly to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy cricket this season.
“I would ask Members and supporters to remain patient and flexible, as we do our best in extraordinary circumstances to safely welcome members and supporters to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence.”