Coronavirus Update: As Premier League Training Goes Underway, 3 Clubs Report Positive Tests

Premier League clubs, Burnley and Watford have reported positive COVID-19 cases, while the details of the third club have not been disclosed.

One player and two staff at Watford and Burnley’s assistant manager, Ian Woan are among the six Premier League people to have tested positive for the pandemic virus, while the other two belong to the third club. As Premier League aims at a restart of the 2019-20 season, they tested 700-plus players and staff from 20 clubs before the non-touching training underwent Tuesday.

According to a report in BBC, Watford have not named the player and staff who have contracted the virus. Before the news of the positive tests emerged, Watford skipper Troy Deeney had said he would not return to training because he was scared for his family's health.

“We're due back this week. I've said I'm not going in. It only takes one person to get infected within the group and I don't want to be bringing that home. My son is only five months old. He had breathing difficulties, so I don't want to come home to put him in more danger,” 31-year-old Deeney told Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellew on the Talk YouTube show.

Meanwhile, Burney have ensured that their assistant manager, Woan is “asymptomatic” and “currently safe and well at home”.

“He will remain in close communication with club personnel regarding his re-engagement in training once he is clear of the virus,” the club added.

The Premier League has been suspended since March 13 because of the outbreak of the coronavirus with a total of 92 matches still to be played in the season. Before the campaign halted, Liverpool went 25 points clear on the top of the table ahead of reigning champions, Manchester City and third-placed Leicester City.

Manchester United are currently fighting for a Champions League spot as they are still three points behind the fourth-placed Chelsea.