Carlisle United have confirmed that fans will not be required to carry Covid certification to enter Brunton Park under Plan B rules.

The Blues have announced that they will operate with a revised capacity of 9,999 under the proposed new guidelines.

That brings the capacity under the 10,000 threshold for carrying out mandatory Covid status checks.

It means fans will not need to produce evidence of lateral flow tests or vaccine passports in order to attend games.

The temporary new Brunton Park capacity will see a total seating capacity of 6,000 and terracing capacity of 3,999.

United say the reduced standing capacity means demand could outstrip supply, and have advised fans to buy their terracing tickets in advance.

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Carlisle will keep all their stands open other than the Waterworks End. The Blues' highest home attendance so far this season falls well below the 10,000 mark, at 7,470.

Amid concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant, United have assured fans that they still do not have to wear a face covering when in their seat or terracing position, while masks are not mandatory in hospitality and bar areas.

Fans aged 11 and over will, though, be legally required to wear a face covering when located in all indoor areas of the stadium, other than when eating or drinking, or where exempt. 

That includes when fans are in the Pioneer Stand concourse and other inside areas such as toilets and entry and exit points.

United also "strongly recommend" wearing face coverings when brushing past others or moving in, out and around the stadium.

A socially-distanced area in Section 8 of the Pioneer Stand will remain.

"Whilst we will not be introducing mandatory Covid certification at this time, it is critical all our fans continue to play their part in minimising the risk our games pose to fellow fans and the wider community," a club statement said.

United, meanwhile, say that on the playing side, they are continuing to adapt seating and rooming plans for away trips on the basis of which players have and have not been vaccinated.

The EFL has asked clubs to segregate players accordingly.

The Blues' statement added: "As a club we have maintained the basic principles of dealing with Covid-19 which were initially introduced in March 2019, and which have been updated and modified regularly since.

"The football department operates in Red Zones both on match days and throughout the week, with access to those zones restricted to essential visits only for non-football staff and contractors.

"Players are on a regular cycle of lateral flow tests, and are under the close supervision of the club’s medical staff for advice, should they have any concerns.

"The vaccination status of individuals is monitored, with seating and rooming lists compiled accordingly for away trips."

United have, sadly, had to restrict player community appearances, while the annual children's Christmas Party will not take place this year - likewise a planned visit to Jigsaw Hospice.

"We continue to ask fans not to come to the training sessions as we look to maintain a Covid bubble," the club added.

"Although not guaranteed to provide complete protection for our playing staff in what is an ever-changing and dynamic landscape, we continue to do everything we can to keep Covid ‘out of the building’ and we thank you for your help and assistance with that."

United have also updated the Covid-19 spectator code of conduct. For more details visit the club website HERE