The EFL medical advisor is said to have written to all Championship clubs with a reminder to adhere to social distancing after an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 tests.

Clubs returned to training for the first time in two months last week, with the players and members and staff involved in the sessions, which are currently restricted to groups of no more than five, to be tested twice a week.

Those results are published by the EFL, and after three positive tests in the second round of testing, and first since returning to training, that rose to 10 in the latest round of results. Those were returned by individuals from eight clubs.

Those players will now be forced to isolate for seven days, before returning to training, and comes at a time when clubs are looking to step up training to full contact ahead of the proposed return to action on June 20.

In his letter, Dr Richard Higgins is reported to have told clubs to maintain social distancing, but accepts an increase in the number of positive tests could be down to coincidence.

"During the latest group of tests you will have seen that there has been a slight increase in positive results,” he wrote.

"This may just be a coincidence, however, as government guidelines are relaxed, all players and staff must remain acutely aware of their responsibilities in regard to social distancing and personal hygiene.

"At this stage we strongly advise everyone to maintain social distancing at all times other than during contact training sessions and most especially when outside of the training ground.

"Indoor environments such as shops are one of the higher risk places and so as advised previously, should be avoided.

"Until the infection rate drops significantly, transmission will continue to occur frequently between people."