Gillingham and other elite football clubs in the county can play on during the new national lockdown.

Groups competing in elite sports have been given an exemption to remain active while outdoor activities such as golf have once again been put on hold.

The latest restrictions in England, similar to those of the first lockdown back in March, are in place until mid-February at present. Measures will be reduced if the government are satisfied that they have the new strain of Covid-19 under control.

Since the summer, elite football has included leagues as far down as the National South, despite no routine testing below the Premier League.

Dover Athletic, Maidstone United, Tonbridge Angels, Dartford and Ebbsfleet United are all able to carry on playing, albeit without crowds inside their stadiums.

Covid infections have caused havoc with the schedule, with Dover's weekend game against Dagenham just the latest to be postponed. Andy Hessenthaler's National League side have seen nine games called off because of coronavirus issues. Tonbridge's game against Maidstone was also off on Saturday.

Ebbsfleet's Boxing Day game against Dartford was also off, one of five Fleet matches postponed due to Covid. Maidstone's games against Tonbridge (twice), Braintree, Eastbourne, Dulwich and two FA Trophy matches have also had to be postponed.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans has questioned the ‘elite’ tag for those outside the Premier League, labelling it “rubbish”. Mass testing is set to take place in the EFL this week, the first such instance since October. Championship side Derby have already announced several positive Covid results from tests carried out on Monday while Wigan's next two League 1 fixtures were postponed on Sunday.

Evans said on Saturday that football should be stopped.

The FA confirmed that non-elite football has halted across England and their statement added: "It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and we implore everyone to follow these.

"Dialogue will continue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, leagues, competitions and County FAs and we will provide further updates for the 2020/21 Women’s FA Cup, FA Vase and ‘non-elite’ football when relevant.

"We would like to thank the football community once again for its hard work, resilience and understanding during such an incredibly challenging period for both the game and wider society."

In regards to non-elite sports, indoor gyms and sports facilities will remain closed. Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery, driving ranges, shooting and riding arenas are also closed. Organised outdoor sport for disabled people is allowed to continue.

Exercise, which is limited to just once a day, can be taken alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble.

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