TheCable

Forty individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the latest round of testing carried out on players and personnel of the English Premier League (EPL) clubs.

The latest figure, which was published by the EPL on Tuesday, shows that of 1,311 players and club staff tested between December 28 and 31, a total of 28 came back positive for COVID-19.

“The Premier League is now testing players and club staff twice per week and can today confirm that between Monday 28 December and Thursday 31 December, 1,311 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19,” it wrote.

“Of these, there were 28 new positive tests. Between Friday 1 January and Sunday 3 January, 984 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 and of these, there were 12 new positives.”

At 40, it is more than double the 18 cases that were confirmed the previous week.

Despite the record high, the EPL said that it has the government’s backing to continue the competition, adding that the positive cases would self-isolate for 10 days.

“With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the League continues to have confidence in its COVID-19 protocols, fully backed by the Government, to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled. Players or club staff who have tested positive will self-isolate for a period of 10 days,” it added.

The EPL is currently in its 17th week, with Liverpool topping the standings.