Spectators will no longer have to provide a verified SafeKey or negative antigen test to attend football matches, the Bermuda Football Association has announced.

“Amendments were today announced to the Public Health [Covid-19 Emergency Powers] Regulations 2021,” read a BFA statement.

“The Bermuda Football Association would like to advise that spectators are no longer required to have a verified SafeKey nor event-day negative antigen test for entry into matches.”

The association’s announcement came after the easing of Covid-19 health restrictions, which took effect yesterday.

However, Kim Wilson, the health minister, emphasised that the wearing of masks was to remain in effect, particularly indoors, after April 1.

The latest spike in coronavirus cases prompted the Government to impose further restrictions at sporting events, including additional protocols for large-group exemptions and spectators being required to present a negative antigen test for access.

Before the tightening of restrictions and safety protocols, players and officials were required to have an antigen test ahead of kick-off, with strict separation of players, officials and spectators being enforced.

They were also required to be at grounds at least two hours prior to the start of matches.

The change to protocols will come into effect as of today as 
league action resumes with Somerset playing leaders Dandy Town at Somerset Cricket Club (3pm).

Tomorrow will see Southampton Rangers taking on Robin Hood in a crucial match at Southampton Oval between two teams fighting against relegation.

Hood are one place above the relegation zone which will see three teams being relegated at the end of the season in order to return the Premier Division to ten teams.

Hood, who battled to a 1-1 draw with Somerset in midweek, are three points clear of the drop zone, including seven points ahead of Southampton whose survival hopes are slowly fading as they await a ruling on last weekend’s abandoned match with X-Roads.

The Rangers players walked off in protest in the 75th minute in a hotly disputed incident which also saw two Rangers players ejected for foul and abusive language after a Dion Stovell goal from a restart was disallowed because the referee hadn’t blown his whistle to restart the game.

X-Roads will host North Village at Garrison Field while second-placed PHC Zebras take on bottom team Somerset Eagles at PHC Field.

St George’s will make a second trip to Devonshire Rec in three days when they meet the Cougars in a 6.30pm kick-off, after drawing with the other Devonshire side, Colts, on Thursday night in a make-up match.

In the First Division, top meets bottom when leaders Hamilton Parish travel to Southampton Oval to take on Paget — one team without a loss and the other without a win.

Young Men’s Social Club have the chance to reclaim second place over BAA who have a bye weekend, as they meet second-
from-bottom Vasco at Police Field. Ireland Rangers welcome Wolves to Malabar Field while the Boulevard-St David’s match has been put back to Tuesday night at Goose Gosling Field (8pm).