PREMIER League stars are set to start being tested for coronavirus next Thursday – and clubs will get the results in just 24 hours.
This means footballers will receive results before NHS workers on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.
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Testers get ready to carry out their work but Prem footballers will get their results BEFORE NHS workersCredit: AFP or licensors
Teams have started training ahead of a June 12 kick-off for the top flight, as part of Project Restart as the nationwide lockdown subsides.
And the Telegraph claim players will be given early tests during training sessions to ensure there are no mass outbreaks hitting one or two teams and wiping them out before the season can begin.
NHS and social care workers, plus anyone over 65 who has symptoms, wait up to 72 hours for their results.
Dr John Ashton, the former director of public health in the North West, told the Telegraph: “I don’t think we should be doing this until everybody has a level playing field.
A Covid-19 test is carried outCredit: AFP or licensors
“If football can get results in this amount of time, then why can’t everybody else?”
The Premier League will set up stations for each club and independent practitioners will test players from Thursday.
But clubs cannot push ahead with their own checks on players – including heart tests – until these initial coronavirus tests have been carried out.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “What this shows is that you can get relatively fast results for people if you have got the resources.
“But there is also the question of scale. The number of essential workers and over 65s runs into the millions, while there are far fewer Premier League footballers to test.”
The Premier League suspended matches back in March as the virus caused a worldwide pandemic.
But pressure due to the amount of money in broadcasting rights has seen Premier League chiefs push on with completing the final 92 matches of this season, whereas France and Holland have cancelled their leagues.
However, games will be played in empty stadia at neutral grounds.
Clubs have started training sessions in groups of five players and three staff.
Players are turning up in kit and heading straight to their cars after practice.
When matches resume footballers will be asked not to hug each other in goal celebrations or spit.
Korea’s K-League became the first to resume after the lockdown. Its first match was on Friday.
Ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand says Premier League restart won’t satisfy every club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
