BSP-16 Six positive tests for coronavirus at Premier League clubs

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Six positive tests for coronavirus at Premier League clubs

LONDON, May 19, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Six positive cases for coronavirus
have been detected at three Premier League clubs after players and
staff were tested ahead of a return to training, England’s top flight
said Tuesday.

“The Premier League can today confirm that, on Sunday 17 May and
Monday 18 May, 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19,”
the league said in a statement.

“Of these, six have tested positive from three clubs.”

No details were released over which individuals or clubs are affected.

“Players or club staff who have tested positive will now
self-isolate for a period of seven days,” added the league’s
statement.

Premier League clubs began returning to training in small groups on
Tuesday after protocols on safety measures were signed off on Monday.

The number of positive cases represents just 0.8 percent of those
tested and is consistent with similar widespread testing conducted by
other major leagues hoping to complete the season.

Germany’s top two divisions registered 10 positive cases out of
1,724 tests two weeks ago ahead of their return to action last
weekend.

Five players from Spain’s top two divisions tested positive last
week before La Liga’s return to group training.

Premier League clubs are aiming for a return to action by the
middle of next month despite concerns from some players over their
welfare.

Watford captain Troy Deeney has said he will not return to training
this week due to fears he could pass the virus on to his
five-month-old son.

BSS/AFP/MRU/2229hrs