On Monday 4th January, Manchester City announced that four of its Women’s first-team players had tested positive for coronavirus.
According to the BBC, the positive tests came as a result of the players traveling to Dubai, with permission from the club.
Manchester was in tier three at the time; therefore, players could travel to countries that have an open corridor.
However, the government advised against travel outside of the UK.
Ultimately, the players involved are all in a period of self-isolation in line with the FA and UK Governments’ protocols.
A statement from the club website read:
“Everyone at the Club wishes our colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training, and competition.”
Manchester City’s upcoming fixtures include a WSL game against West Ham, as well as a FA Cup game against Chelsea.
Consequently, the players, who have remained unnamed by the club, are set to miss these upcoming fixtures.
Coronavirus worries for Manchester City
On the 4th of January, The UK Government announced that England would go into lockdown for the 3rd time.
This was due to the increasing rate of people being infected by the disease.
As of the 4th of January, there were 26,626 Covid patients in hospitals in England, an increase of over 30% in one week.
Covid has had an increasing effect on football clubs, with matches being postponed due to players and staff testing positive.
Six players in the Manchester City Men’s side have tested positive, with Eric Garcia being the latest player to undergo self-isolation.
The club previously announced the Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker had tested positive on Christmas Day.
Additionally, three members of the backroom staff have been affected by the virus.
A record number of Covid cases in Premier league
The Premier League has reported that 40 players or staff have tested positive for coronavirus in the latest round of testing.
The previous round saw 18 positive cases, yet the Premier League stated that it has “full confidence” that the 2020-21 season will continue as planned.
The Premier League has not discussed the possibility of a circuit breaker.
Feature Image Credit: Jon Super/Associated Press
