The EFL have revealed that three more individuals, from two clubs, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the second round of testing by Championship clubs.

Rovers players and staff were tested for a second time on Monday, and will be again today (Thursday) as part of their twice-weekly testing.

It follows the two positive tests recorded from the initial testing last Friday, with both positive tests, out of the 1,014 that were conducted, found to be from Hull City.

Third-placed Fulham have confirmed that two of the positive tests were recorded by them.

 

 

It takes the number of positive tests from the first two rounds of testing to five. Those who have tested positive will now self-isolate for seven days.

An EFL statement read: “Following the latest round of COVID-19 testing, the EFL can confirm that 1030 players and Club staff have been tested over the course of Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 May, with three individuals testing positive from two Clubs.

“Those players or Club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate in line with the guidelines provided by the EFL and only those who have tested negative will be permitted to enter training ground facilities.

“The EFL will continue to make regular and relevant announcements as appropriate in respect of the testing programme to support competition integrity and transparency.

“No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the league.”

Clubs returned to trianing on Monday, albeit adhering to social distancing, but that could be stepped up from next week after Premier League clubs voted in favour of introducing contact training.

That will come as a big boost in the hopes to re-start the season, and play out the remaining nine games, next month.

The EFL pointed out that the testing procedure isn’t impacting on NHS testing resources or preventing other individuals from being tested, and that the cost is  being met by clubs.

Clubs are in discussions with the EFL over reimbursing the costs of the tests, thought to be in the region of £5m split across all 24 clubs.

The statement added: “Every player or member of staff who attends the training ground, prior to entering the site, must complete a screening protocol to detect any symptoms in a manner devised by the club doctor.

“Players and staff will also be required to complete a daily medical questionnaire submitted before arrival at the training ground on training days. If this is not submitted before arrival, access to the training ground will be denied.”