<p>The Premier League has revealed a record 103 players and staff tested positive for the Coronavirus in the period from December 20 to 26.</p>.<p>Just a week ago, the English top-flight set a new high since testing began in 2020 with 90 positive cases.</p>.<p>That mark has now been beaten as the Omicron variant takes its toll.</p>.<p>So far in December, 15 Premier League games have been called off, while the three divisions below the top tier have been decimated by postponements.</p>.<p>"The League can today confirm between Monday 20 December and Sunday 26 December, 15,186 Covid-19 tests were administered on players and club staff. Of these, there were 103 new positive cases," a Premier League statement said.</p>.<p>"The safety of everyone is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in response to the impact of the Omicron variant."</p>.<p>Liverpool's game against Leeds, Watford's trip to Wolves and Burnley against Everton were all cancelled before their scheduled Boxing Day fixtures.</p>.<p>Arsenal's home match against Wolves on Tuesday was axed on Sunday after an increase in case numbers among Wolves' squad.</p>.<p>Leeds' game with Aston Villa, scheduled for December 28, was also postponed on Sunday due to Leeds' continued Covid and injury issues.</p>.<p>Despite the rise in Covid cases and several postponements, Premier League chiefs last week opted against halting the season despite calls from some top-flight bosses for a 'circuit breaker'</p>.<p>At the same meeting, clubs were warned that games will go ahead if each team has 13 fit outfield players and a goalkeeper.</p>.<p>"The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and has increased testing of players and club staff to daily Lateral Flow and twice-weekly PCR tests, having previously carried out Lateral Flow testing twice a week," the statement said.</p>.<p>"The League is continuing to work with clubs to keep people safe by helping mitigate the risks of Covid-19 within their squads.</p>.<p>"We are also liaising closely with the Government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance."</p>.<p>Six Premier League games did go ahead on Sunday in front of full crowds despite Britain battling a significant rise in positive Covid cases.</p>.<p>No restrictions have yet been put in place for the size of crowds at matches in England, although supporters do have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test taken in the previous 48 hours.</p>.<p>Sport in Wales was forced back behind closed doors from Sunday, while in Scotland a restriction of 500 outdoor public events has seen Scottish Premiership clubs bring forward their winter break by a week.</p>
<p>The Premier League has revealed a record 103 players and staff tested positive for the Coronavirus in the period from December 20 to 26.</p>.<p>Just a week ago, the English top-flight set a new high since testing began in 2020 with 90 positive cases.</p>.<p>That mark has now been beaten as the Omicron variant takes its toll.</p>.<p>So far in December, 15 Premier League games have been called off, while the three divisions below the top tier have been decimated by postponements.</p>.<p>"The League can today confirm between Monday 20 December and Sunday 26 December, 15,186 Covid-19 tests were administered on players and club staff. Of these, there were 103 new positive cases," a Premier League statement said.</p>.<p>"The safety of everyone is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in response to the impact of the Omicron variant."</p>.<p>Liverpool's game against Leeds, Watford's trip to Wolves and Burnley against Everton were all cancelled before their scheduled Boxing Day fixtures.</p>.<p>Arsenal's home match against Wolves on Tuesday was axed on Sunday after an increase in case numbers among Wolves' squad.</p>.<p>Leeds' game with Aston Villa, scheduled for December 28, was also postponed on Sunday due to Leeds' continued Covid and injury issues.</p>.<p>Despite the rise in Covid cases and several postponements, Premier League chiefs last week opted against halting the season despite calls from some top-flight bosses for a 'circuit breaker'</p>.<p>At the same meeting, clubs were warned that games will go ahead if each team has 13 fit outfield players and a goalkeeper.</p>.<p>"The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and has increased testing of players and club staff to daily Lateral Flow and twice-weekly PCR tests, having previously carried out Lateral Flow testing twice a week," the statement said.</p>.<p>"The League is continuing to work with clubs to keep people safe by helping mitigate the risks of Covid-19 within their squads.</p>.<p>"We are also liaising closely with the Government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance."</p>.<p>Six Premier League games did go ahead on Sunday in front of full crowds despite Britain battling a significant rise in positive Covid cases.</p>.<p>No restrictions have yet been put in place for the size of crowds at matches in England, although supporters do have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test taken in the previous 48 hours.</p>.<p>Sport in Wales was forced back behind closed doors from Sunday, while in Scotland a restriction of 500 outdoor public events has seen Scottish Premiership clubs bring forward their winter break by a week.</p>