The Premier League have confirmed there was just one positive coronavirus test in their latest round ahead of the season returning next week. The campaign returns after a lengthy layoff with Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United behind closed doors on Wednesday evening.
1,213 players and club staff were tested for coronavirus on Monday 8 June and Tuesday 9 June ahead of the season’s return.
And the Premier League have confirmed there was just one positive result.
Their statement read: “The Premier League can today confirm that on Monday 8 June and Tuesday 9 June, 1,213 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, one has tested positive.
“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.”
The news comes hours after Liverpool and Everton were cleared to play their remaining Premier League games behind closed doors at Anfield and Goodison Park.
Therefore, the Reds will get to lift the Premier League title at their home ground and the Merseyside derby will not have to be held at a neutral venue.
A local Safety Advisory Group – formed of representatives from both clubs as well as Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and fan unions – gave their support for the derby, on Sunday June 21, to be held in the city on Wednesday.
Councillor Wendy Simon, deputy mayor of Liverpool and chair of the Ground Safety Advisory Group (GSAG), said: “We are satisfied that the considerable evidence and guidance provided by the Government, Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs, Public Health colleagues and Merseyside Police will ensure that the outstanding fixtures for the 2019/20 Premier League season can be safely and securely played at both Goodison Park and Anfield.
“A lot of factors have been taken into consideration by the GSAG, especially the safety of the players, match officials and staff in attendance at both stadia.
“We are confident the measures in place will allow the matches to be held behind closed doors without any detrimental impact to all concerned and recommend to the city council that the safety certificates for both grounds be amended to allow this to happen.
“Im sure fans of both teams will welcome this recommendation and, subject to ratification, we look forward to watching the first of these matches – the Merseyside Derby on 21 June – which will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV for the first time since the Premier League began.
“We would also advise that everyone, wherever they may be watching these fixtures, to strongly adhere to the guidance on social distancing around the current COVID-19 pandemic and for not only these matches but the wider relaxation measures anticipated for the city.”
Previous coronavirus test results:
Round 1: 17-18 May – 748 tested, with six testing positive from three clubs.
Round 2: 19-22 May – 996 tested, with two testing positive from two clubs.
Round 3: 25-26 May – 1,008 tested, with four testing positive from two clubs.
Round 4: 28-29 May – 1,130 tested, with zero testing positive.
Round 5: 1-2 June – 1,197 tested, with one testing positive.
Round 6: 4-5 June – 1,195 tested, with zero testing positive
