The Premier League and EFL are stepping up their efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus as fears grow over a mutant variant of the virus which is believed to be more infectious.

Top-flight players in tier four areas will be tested for Covid-19 twice a week as soon as it is practically possible to do so, the PA news agency understands.

EFL clubs are reviewing the mitigations they are taking to limit the spread, with the physio of League One club Ipswich, Matt Byard, saying a temporary suspension of play could act as a "circuit-breaker" and the club's manager Paul Lambert concerned the system is operating "on a wing and a prayer".

"It should be the same for everybody else because you are putting people's welfare at risk. I picked it up and it's not great, definitely not a great thing to catch."

Asked about the possibility to pause the season now and extend it into June, Lambert said: "Yes you could, because League One and Two – no disrespect, but they don't have too many international players that need to go into the Euros.

"I don't think anybody would have any grievance on that. But there's got to be a safer way, and a fairer way to get through. Whether it's the testing... At the minute, I know for a fact, and I can only speak because I have had it, it's not working."

The EFL said its clubs would be "reviewing and further strengthening their COVID-19 protocols to help minimise the transmission risk" but that this would still only cover mandatory testing where players or staff are showing symptoms.

League-wide testing is conducted at strategic times during the season, with the next set scheduled for the week beginning January 4.

It is understood measures which will be looked at include keeping time in indoor environments on club premises to an absolute minimum, a review of the use of gyms, changing facilities, showers and catering facilities, using multiple coaches or individuals' cars to travel to matches and limiting contact with anyone outside of a household bubble over Christmas.