Watford’s seven-day coronavirus case rate remains low ahead of the Hornets’ crunch match that could see the club promoted to the Premier League.

The Hornets will take on Millwall on Saturday at Vicarage Road, with a win for Watford guaranteeing the club promotion to England’s top-flight of football at the first time of asking after their relegation to the Championship last season.

If Watford can secure promotion, the pandemic inevitably means celebrations will be subdued, with restrictions still in place to stop large gatherings and close contact.

And Watford Mayor Peter Taylor has told people to “stay safe and act responsibly” tomorrow, urging people not to put the town’s Covid case rate at risk.

The rate of infection in Watford has remained low over the last few weeks and latest government data shows the borough saw another week-on-week fall in cases.

Figures show the town recorded an infection rate of 28 cases per 100,000 population in the seven days to April 19, dropping from a rate of 37.3 the previous week.

Ahead of Watford’s match against Millwall tomorrow, Mr Taylor said: “These are exciting times for Watford fans and I am sure many of you will be looking forward to tomorrow’s match with the hope of promotion. I would like to send the best of luck to the whole team on behalf of the town.

Watford Observer: Watford Mayor Peter Taylor at a Watford match before the pandemic Watford Mayor Peter Taylor at a Watford match before the pandemic

 

“One thing I would like to ask from everyone tomorrow is to make sure that you stay safe and act responsibly. We have worked really hard to keep the rates of Covid low in Watford and would hate to see that hard work put at risk.

“I hope we can celebrate the fantastic work of our football team in the near future in a safe way, sticking to the restrictions. It’s important to remember that these are in place to keep ourselves and others safe.”

Watford's chief inspector has also reminded fans of the "importance" of behaving responsibly.

Chief Inspector Ian Grout said: "We completely understand fans' desire to mark the occasion should Watford be promoted to the Premier League and as a Hornets fan myself I will be celebrating the club’s achievement too.

"I have been working with the constabulary’s events planning team and as a result we have allocated resources, including extra officers from our safer neighbourhood teams, for reassurance.

"We are also liaising closely with our partners at both the club and Watford Borough Council to ensure the safety of all fans and the public ahead of the weekend.

"I would ask all fans to consider the current climate and also the importance of continuing to recognise the measures that are in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"We have worked so hard with partners over the past year to reduce infections in Watford and we want to do all we can to build on the current downward trend and work towards the next roadmap dates of May 17 and eventually, June 21."