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Major League Soccer announced 18 players and six staff members tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday.
The league has conducted a total of 668 player tests since early June. Players have been evaluated every other day since training began as clubs prepare to travel to Orlando, Florida for the MLS is Back tournament that begins on July 8.
MLS is using the polymerase chain reaction tests, and its guidelines require two of these tests to be performed 24 hours apart and within 72 hours prior to the start of training before beginning testing on alternate days.
The league requires that any individual who tests positive while in Orlando must participate in a “clinical evaluation by a health care provider.” Infected people will be transferred to an isolation area of their team’s hotel until they have received medical authorization to leave.
By MLS:
“Before traveling to Orlando, all players, coaches, referees, club staff and league staff must complete two additional PCR tests 24 hours apart and within approximately 72 hours of travel. Upon arrival in Florida, everyone should immediately take another PCR test and be quarantined until they receive the results of that test. To date, 329 people have received PCR tests at the site, and two were positive, and both were players who had just arrived. “
Players who enter isolation will have access to daily communication with health professionals and receive remote care. The league will also work with Orange and Osceola counties on tracking contracts.
Additionally, MLS will provide updates every two days beginning June 30 on the results of its testing process.
The league is not expected to reveal to the public which players or employees have previously tested positive.
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