Premier League, other English elite sports may continue despite national lockdown

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and, later, England Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new national restrictions on Monday due to rising coronavirus cases in those countries. 

As Sky Sports explained, however, the English Premier League and other elite sports competitions, such as the rugby Gallagher Premiership, will be permitted to continue. Similar to major North American sports leagues, the English top-flight utilizes strict COVID-19 testing to prevent outbreaks among athletes and other personnel. 

Such protocols aren't flawless, however, as the Premier League has postponed four fixtures since the start of December due to virus outbreaks within clubs. Last week, ESPN's Mark Ogden reported that the Premier League has no contingency plan in place if the season is halted because of the health crisis. 

The Premier League and other football competitions temporarily paused in March, and the EPL remained idle until the middle of June. All matches in England are expected to be held behind closed doors and without spectators for the foreseeable future. 

Eighteen Premier League players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19 between Dec. 21-27. 

NFL teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints had to play games despite missing multiple players because of COVID-19 issues. As of Monday afternoon, it appears the Premier League will embrace similar guidelines and hope to avoid additional postponements as long as possible.