This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, the Premier League announced that six players and staff members had tested positive for coronavirus, with two clubs, Watford and Burnley, confirming cases.
Watford revealed that a player and two staff members had contracted the virus, but declined to name them due to medical confidentiality. The club stated that those affected would self-isolate for seven days.
Burnley's assistant manager, Ian Woan, was also among those who tested positive, but was described as 'asymptomatic' and 'currently safe and well at home'.
Before the news broke, Watford captain Troy Deeney expressed concerns about returning to training, citing fears for his family's health. 'I've said I'm not going in,' Deeney said on the Talk YouTube show. 'It only takes one person to get infected within the group and I don't want to be bringing that home.'
The Premier League has been suspended since March 13 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with 92 fixtures remaining. The league had previously targeted June 12 for matches to resume, but this date is now expected to be pushed back.
As part of the 'Project Restart' plan, clubs are required to adhere to strict protocols, including social distancing, limited group sizes, and regular testing. The Premier League has also implemented measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including disinfecting equipment and playing surfaces after each training session.
