Everton have announced the rules and regulations that will be in place at Goodison Park for the visit of Saints, whose supporters will also have to comply, for full details read on.
Supporters will be back in fully open stadiums for the first time in nearly 18 months and those Saints fans travelling up to Merseyside need to ensure that they follow the regulations.
In simple terms, any fan wishing to enter the stadium may have to show proof that they have been either fully vaccinated or proof of a negative Covid 19 test taken within 48 hours before the match.
Supporters are also asked to bring and wear a face covering.
For the benefit of clarity we have reproduced the full Everton guidelines as published on their official website below.
The removal of social distancing regulations means that, for the first time since March 2020, Goodison Park will be fully open to fans for the opening game of the new season.
The familiar roar of the Everton faithful in a full Goodison Park for the visit of Southampton on Saturday 14 August (3pm kick-off BST) will mark the commencement of the 2021/22 season — and it is something everybody at Everton is counting down the days for.
All Season Ticket Members and match ticket purchasers will be able to attend without social distancing restrictions in place and will be provided with the necessary guidance relating to COVID-19 protocols ahead of matchday to ensure the matchday is as safe as possible for all supporters.
As part of these measures to maximise safety, minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and follow government guidance and Premier League protocols, fans should be prepared to present, if asked when entering the stadium, their COVID-19 vaccination status or proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of the match.
Fans can learn more about how to link their vaccination record to the NHS app here.
Supporters should also bring a face covering to wear when in the stadium, in line with government guidance on gatherings in enclosed places, and should arrive at the stadium in good time.
All payments inside the stadium will be contactless, to speed movement through concourses and minimise contact at all points of sale.
The Fan Zone will not be in use for the opening games of the season.
This is in order for the Club to accommodate additional changing room facilities at the Park End of the stadium for visiting teams as part of Premier League protocols to maintain a bubble for players and staff.
The Sir Philip Carter Park End will only be accessible via Goodison Road for the Southampton fixture - with the Sir Philip Carter Park End stand open for fans from 75 minutes prior to kick-off.
The Matchday Hub based at Everton Free School will also not be in operation for the Southampton match.
For the 2021/22 season, the Club has introduced digital Season Tickets as an additional option for stadium entry.
For those supporters who opted to have their Season Ticket in their mobile wallet on their Android or Apple phone, the tickets will be distributed via email from Monday 8 August. The email will include clear instructions on how to add the digital Season Ticket to a mobile wallet.
As part of the matchday Code of Conduct, supporters should not attend Goodison if they have returned a positive COVID-19 test within 10 days of the Southampton fixture, if they have any COVID symptoms — including a high temperature, new continuous cough, or a loss of sense of taste/smell — or if they are required to self-isolate.