The English Premier League has confirmed that four more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the third round of testing. The four confirmed cases were from the 1,008 tests carried out on Monday and Tuesday in all the 20 clubs in the league.
In the first round of tests carried out before the commencement of training in small groups, the Premier League confirmed that 6 people tested positive, including Burnley’s assistant coach Ian Woan. They have been self-isolating for over a week now but there is no concrete update on their recovery.
While in the second round of tests the league carried out days later, two people, including a 22-year-old Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, were confirmed positive for the virus.
The third round of testing was carried out in preparation for the restart of the 2019-2020 season which has been halted since March 13. The 20 clubs in the Premier League are expected to meet today, May 28, 2020, to discusses modalities as it concerns the restart of the season.
Analysts have been of the opinion that the most likely date for the restart of the season may fall between June 12 and June 19. But the reoccurring coronavirus positive cases in the league could be a very serious course of concern in the minds of clubs administrators.
In a statement issued by the Premier League on Wednesday to announce the confirmation of the new cases, the league didn’t reveal the identity of those who tested positive for the virus nor their clubs. The league, however, confirmed that the fourth round of testing will be carried out on Thursday and Friday this week.
A statement read: “The Premier League can today confirm that on Monday 25 May and Tuesday 26 May, 1,008 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, four have tested positive from three clubs.
“Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days.
“Previously, between 19-22 May, 996 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19, of which two tested positive from two clubs.
“Some 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 on 17-18 May, with six testings positive from three clubs.
“For the fourth round of testing, the number of tests available to each club will be increased from 50 to 60.”
What is not clear from the statement issued by the Premier League is that, are the four new cases part of the 8 cases confirmed initially? If they are not, it means that the league now has 12 confirmed cases of the virus which should be a great course of concern as clubs resume contact-training.
