TheCable

The English Premier League (EPL) has confirmed that there were two more positive cases of COVID-19 in the latest round of screenings.

The positive test results were recorded in the second round of mass testings geared towards resumption of football action as part of the league’s “project restart” aimed at completing the current season.

In a statement on Sunday, the EPL said 996 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It added that the players that tested positive are from different clubs.

“The Premier League can today confirm that on Tuesday 19 May, Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May, 996 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, two have tested positive from two clubs,” the statement read.

The EPL also said it has increased the number of tests available to 50 persons per club, and those affected will go into isolation for seven days.

“Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days. For the second round of testing, the number of tests available to each club was increased from 40 to 50,” it added.

“Previously, 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 on 17-18 May, with six testing positive from three clubs.

“The six who tested positive in the first round of testing are not included in the figures for 19-22 May, as they are still within their seven-day self-isolation period.

“The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing.”

TheCable had reported how six players tested positive for COVID-19 in the first batch of tests, bringing the total number to eight.

The EPL has been suspended since March 13, with June 12 identified as a possible date to resume football action.