MLS announced an update on its coronavirus detection results, with two dozen people recording positive results before traveling to Orlando for the MLS Is Back Tournament, and two other positive results after arriving in Central Florida.
In terms of testing before heading to Florida, MLS said Sunday that 18 players and six staff members have received positive tests for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
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Overall, 668 players have been evaluated since the start of full team training on June 4. That translates to a positive test rate of 2.7%, which compares favorably with the positive rate of 5.3% that the NBA posted for its most recent round of player testing.
MLS added that 329 people have been evaluated for COVID-19 after arriving in Florida, and two players tested positive. A league spokesman declined to identify the players who tested positive or their teams. So far, five teams are in Orlando: San Jose Earthquakes, Orlando City SC, Minnesota United, Columbus Crew SC and FC Dallas.
Most MLS teams returned to full training in early June, provided it did not conflict with local COVID-19 restrictions. Players and staff underwent two initial PCR tests within approximately 72 hours prior to the start of training. Players and staff were evaluated every other day thereafter.
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, all individuals must perform another PCR test immediately and are quarantined until they receive the results of that test.
A league spokesman said anyone who was in close contact with the two players who tested positive would be isolated, but did not provide an exact number of those people. The spokesperson added that there are no plans to delay or cancel the tournament at this time.
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Commissioner Don Garber discusses how the MLS Comeback Tournament came about and the process the league will go through if a player is diagnosed with the coronavirus.
“MLS is working closely with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and Osceola County to identify any close contacts,” the league said in a statement.
“Close contacts will also receive follow-up PCR tests and may be restricted from participating in group meals and recreational activities until cleared.”
The teams began arriving in Florida for the MLS Is Back Tournament on Wednesday, with the first games scheduled for July 8. The arrival of the teams occurs when the entire state of Florida is experiencing a significant increase in positive tests, with no exception to Central Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Health, Orange County has had at least a 15.9% positive test rate in the last five days for which data was announced, with a total of 4,128 new positive cases recorded at the time. Orange County is home to much of Walt Disney World, including the Swan and Dolphin Hotel, where MLS teams and staff are staying.
In neighboring Osceola County, where the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is located, cases and positive test rates have also increased. In the last five days, a total of 687 new positive cases have been registered, with a positive test percentage that ranges between 9.3% and 22.7%.
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