New Covid restrictions announced by prime minister Boris Johnson will have an effect on Reading FC supporters looking to watch their side at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and away from home going forward.

Referred to as 'Plan B' by Johnson, fans will still be able to attend football matches in person but they will be required to have a Covid vaccine passport to do so. The increased regulations will come into force in a week's time.

In addition to football matches, the Covid vaccine passport will be needed for all large events, defined as indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, outdoor unseated events with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

"The NHS Covid pass can still be obtained with two doses but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out,” the prime minister said in a press conference on Wednesday evening.

Reading Chronicle: Reading in training ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom. Image by: JasonPIXReading in training ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom. Image by: JasonPIX

Johnson also announced that face masks will be mandatory in cinemas and theatres while the government has reintroduced the guidance to work from home for those that can.

The increased restrictions come in response to concerns over the spread of the omicron variant in the UK and around the world.

Unlike last season, when supporters were barred from watching football in person outside of a few test events, fully vaccinated Reading fans will still be able to watch their team in person this term as things stand.

Velijko Paunovic's side will next be in action this Saturday when they travel to West Brom to face the promotion-chasing Baggies.