Covid-19 Emergency in Series A, three questions to the virologist Pregliasco

Three questions about the Covid-19 emergency in Series A to the virologist and medical director of the Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute in Milan, Fabrizio Pregliasco.

Professor, how is it possible that several Genoa players, who underwent a double negative smear on Saturday night, are now positive?

“Unfortunately it is possible. Because from the moment the disease is contracted, it may not even be detected by swabs made until 72 hours after the virus begins to manifest itself in the person. For what could have happened in training Thursday, when goalkeeper Perin was already infected without knowing it, which ended up infecting several colleagues. All were negative in the tests on Saturday. Among other things, the disease has an incubation period of 2-5 days. Therefore possible, indeed probable that Perin could have hired him on Monday, on the day of rest and then ‘brought’ the team to training. “

This means that Napoli is not yet “safe”. Despite having followed the expected protocols and having prepared buffers for the whole team after the game with Genoa, could they not calm the immediate negativities in the post-game?

“That’s right. We will have to wait a few more days to be sure. After all, infections are increasing in this period and therefore the risks are there. It is difficult to create a permeability of common life. But at the same time you have to saying it is not enough to mistakenly squeeze “One hand to contract the virus. You need to wash your hands frequently. How to keep masks and distance “.

Technically, for sports, is there a solution that gives more security?

“They should lead a life of seclusion, as envisaged in the first protocol. But honestly, it seems impossible to me. We are facing a global problem. With a fundamental difference that distinguishes Covid from the others. Take Ebola for example: we stopped, because it is transmitted only between clinical patients. While the coronavirus is also infected by asymptomatic patients, although with a lower viral load “.