Wolves coach Nuno calls on fans to get tested for Covid ahead of Molineux return

A total of 4,500 home fans will be allowed inside Molineux – their first time back since lockdown – for the clash against Manchester United.

Fans attending the game were sent a rapid Covid-19 testing kit to encourage them to take a test within 48 hours of kick-off at 4pm on Sunday.

Nuno said: "We can’t wait to welcome our fans back to Molineux after 14 months without them – it has been a long time to wait, and it will be a very special moment for all of us.

"The most important thing is that it is a safe environment for everyone to attend, so we hope all our supporters can test themselves before Sunday, with the rapid test kit they have been sent."

Ticket holders who test positive for the virus will receive a full refund. Fans will also be required to complete a health declaration 72 hours before the match, and anyone not doing so will not be allowed into the stadium.

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John Denley, Wolverhampton's director of public health, said: "This is one of the first large scale events to be held in the city since restrictions began. As we begin to open up again, it’s important we do so safely.

"Across Wolverhampton we have been encouraging residents to make rapid coronavirus testing part of their regular routines, so we are really grateful to the club for sending out test kits directly to ticket holders for Saturday’s big match. By making testing as easy as possible, we want everyone to take a test before they come to the match, so we can all be sure that we are doing everything we can to protect ourselves and those around us."

During the match, on adverts in key locations in the stadium, the club will also be encouraging fans to have their vaccination as soon as they are able to.

Sally Roberts, chief nursing officer for the Black Country and West Birmingham CCG and senior responsible offer for the local vaccination programme, said: “I am hugely grateful to Wolverhampton Wanderers for lending their support during the pandemic to promote Covid-19 testing and the successful roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine across the city.

"Spreading the word to keep fans safe is key, and it is this support that has paved the way for introducing fans back into our local stadiums. Vaccines are saving lives and are the light out of the darkness, helping us return to things we love safely, not least getting back to watching football the way we know it.

"So I encourage everyone in Wolverhampton to join the pack – and don’t pass, take the shot when you are invited."

Free rapid testing is available across Wolverhampton – including at the Civic Centre, The Hub in Ashmore Park, and the Jamia Masjid Bilal. Rapid testing is also available at New Cross Hospital for visitors to use before they visit their loved ones – and for outpatients before their appointments.

More information on rapid testing, including advice about how to take the test at home, is available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/get-tested.