Arsenal News: Hale End Academy Closes Due To Positive COVID-19 Case

Arsenal was forced to close its Hale End Academy training facility after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.

As a safety measure, the person infected will undergo self-isolation, while six other employees of Arsenal will move into quarantine.

"We can confirm that a member of staff from our Hale End Academy has tested positive for Covid-19," Arsenal said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"The positive test result arrived at 5 pm today and the member of staff immediately left the site to self-isolate. As a consequence, six other members of staff are now self-isolating and we have initiated track and trace for the entire site," the statement continued.

The organization is working through its CCTV and attendance records to properly monitor and trace the entire process in this difficult time.

"Our Hale End Academy will now be closed on Thursday 8 October for deep cleaning. After Thursday, we will review our coaching plans at Hale End accordingly and will keep all staff, parents and young players fully informed," Arsenal’s statement continued.

Overall, the health and safety of the people in Arsenal's sites are the club’s main concerns. The team also mentioned that no member of the men’s or women’s first-team squads has been affected by this case.

This news comes amid left-back Kieran Tierney being forced to self-isolate for 14 days after coming into contact with midfielder Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive for COVID-19.

"I'm so disappointed and frustrated to be in this situation," Tierney said in a statement on the club's official website.

"I have adhered to all regulations and made sure I was socially distancing from my team-mates in the hotel. I've also tested negative. I know Arsenal and the SFA [Scottish Football Association] are now in discussions with the Scottish authorities to gain a further understanding," he added.

The 23-year-old has played in 28 matches for the Gunners, netting one goal and tallying four assists.

As a result of the coronavirus situation, Tierney is expected to miss Scotland’s next three matches, along with Arsenal’s Premier League matchup with Manchester City on Oct. 17 at Etihad Stadium.