THREE Koln players have tested positive for coronavirus as Bundesliga sides return to full training.
The German giants are continuing their practice sessions despite confirming the unnamed trio have gone into 14-day quarantine after the club tested all players, coaches and backroom staff
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Jhon Cordoba is the man in the middle during Koln training, but three players, unidentified by the club, have tested positive for Covid-19Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
Koln fans will be absent for the rest of the season at least as Germany has banned crowds at large events until October 24Credit: Getty – Contributor
It’s another blow to the Bundesliga after its hopes of resuming on May 9 were delayed by the government amid fresh health and safety concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mid-table Koln, who have only just restarted training, said in a statement: “Three people tested positive. All are symptom free.
“After an assessment of the cases by the responsible health authorities, the three people who tested positive will go into a 14-day quarantine at home.
“FC Koln will not confirm any names out of respect for the privacy of those affected.
Previous measures as well as regular tests have proven themselves so that we can now react with individual solutions.”
Koln MD Horst Heldt
“FC Koln’s training can continue as planned, according to the hygiene and infection control measures that have been in place since April 6 in group training.”
Koln managing director Horst Heldt insists they are doing all they can to ensure no on else is affected.
He said: “The health and private sphere of players and staff have priority above all else.
“The previous measures, as well as the strategy of regular tests, have proven themselves so that we can now react with individual solutions.”
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German chancellor Angela Merkel has put back a government decision on whether sport can resume until May 6.
So although that rules out the Bundesliga restarting three days later, it could yet relaunch on May 16 or 23.
Ms Merkel said: “It is absolutely necessary that we remain disciplined and stick to health guidelines.”
German football has been suspended since mid-March, like virtually all sport across Europe.
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And any return would certainly be behind closed doors as Germany has banned large events with crowds until October 24.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich head Borussia Dortmund by four points with nine games remaining.
And the season needs to finish by June 30 to fulfil deals with sponsors and broadcasters.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
