EFL latest: Sheffield Wednesday – Coronavirus testing underway

The English Football League have confirmed that they have started testing Sheffield Wednesday and other teams in the Championship for the coronavirus ahead of Monday’s planned restart.
By Joe Crann
Published 22nd May 2020, 16:17 BST
Updated 22nd May 2020, 17:15 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Garry Monk and his Wednesday players are due back on May 25th as they begin the process of getting back in shape prior to a potential return of football in mid-June, and now it’s been confirmed that testing of ‘players, coaching and backroom staff’ has gotten underway, though results will only start coming in from Sunday.

A statement from the league today read, “The EFL has provided its Clubs with updated and finalised Return to Training Protocols (RTT) ahead of the planned resumption of tailored training on Monday 25 May 2020 for Championship Clubs, and moved to clarify the League’s approach to the testing of players and subsequent reporting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The EFL has commissioned Nationwide Pathology to support the testing of EFL players and staff as part of the first phase of its RTT protocols, with initial testing for players, coaching and backroom staff in the EFL Championship commencing on Thursday 21 May and continuing throughout Friday 22 May 2020.

“There will be a flexible approach to testing, with a combination of procedures conducted by independent testers, Club medical staff and some self-testing as required. The accuracy of these tests is aligned with Government guidelines and, for the avoidance of any doubt, availability to Clubs will not impact NHS testing resources or prevent other individuals from receiving a test as required.

Read More
Luongo’s Sheffield Wednesday restart concerns: “I would never forgive myself…”

“This first collection of data from the initial testing phase is unlikely to be available until Sunday 24 May 2020 and the EFL will publicly advise if any earlier. Please note: the EFL will not be releasing individual Club data.

“The health, wellbeing and safety of EFL players, managers and staff has been at the forefront of the League’s discussions, scenario planning and decision making throughout this process and we will continue to consult with medical experts to ensure this is maintained as circumstances evolve.”

They also explained that they will announce the number of tests undertaken and the number of positive cases (if any) at the end of the initial testing phase.

Related topics:EFLCoronavirus