Newcastle United have NOT asked for lower league Carabao Cup opponents to be COVID tested

The EFL removed the need for mandatory weekly tests prior to the start of the season due to the data showing a major drop in positive tests.

And as a result, a number of Premier League clubs, who are tested regularly as per top flight guidance, have paid for their League Cup opponents to acquire testing kits.

The likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United all forked out to ensure their squad’s safety and minimise the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

But Steve Bruce has confirmed Newcastle have not asked Morecambe to be tested prior to the Magpies’ arrival at the Mazuma Stadium tomorrow evening.

“We haven’t asked for Morecambe to be tested,” said Bruce.

“I know in the Premier League what gives everybody solace is that we’ve been tested. In our environment here, there’s 90 or 100 of us tested twice a week and people are secure they’re working in an environment where there’s no virus here.

"I think that should be across the board in the Football League too, although I am aware of the costs of these tests.

"It’s been highlighted with what’s happened between Leyton Orient and Spurs, but we can only be governed by the Premier League and Football League.

All the evidence is pointing towards the fact that the Premier League and Football League see it that if you’re on the pitch, it’s very difficult to spread any disease. We’ll try our best to try to stay safe."

Bruce continued: “I think we’re like everybody else, but how lucky are we? We’re getting tested twice a week and there’s a certain sense of security in that.

"We’re all tested, and when we’ve seen the results over the last four months, then it’s been successful that way.

"There were a few cases after the players and staff had been away outside the secure bubble, but overall, especially now in the North East where we always seem to have it tough, for two and a half million to have the problems we’re having, we’ve just got to abide by the rules.”

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