HOW MAJOR SPORTS ARE TRYING TO COPE WITH TESTING TIMES

CRICKET

ENGLAND players must have at least two negative tests before entering a pre-series bubble. Their movements are also limited between series ahead of further testing before any return to the bubble. Jofra Archer (above) had to self-isolate after breaking bio-secure protocols ahead of the second Test against the West Indies by visiting his home in Brighton.

RUGBY UNION

PREMIERSHIP players have been tested up to twice a week since July ahead of the resumption of the top-flight season on August 14. Six players and six staff tested positive from 1,031 screened earlier this month but no games have been lost. The 2020/21 campaign kicks off on November 20, underpinned by a £40million BT Sport contract.

RUGBY LEAGUE

SUPER LEAGUE is set to be wrapped up on schedule by the end of November despite 28 positive tests for coronavirus across the 11 clubs. The RFL says players and match officials are being tested once a week and Covid protocols tightened to prevent any further spread. Those who tested positive have been required to self-isolate and so far only three fixtures have had to be rearranged.

BOXING

FIGHTERS are tested before entering a Covid-secure bubble in the week of a bout. They are required to self-isolate pending the result and, if negative, can train in the gym of their fight hotel but not leave the premises. They are then escorted to the venue in protective gear on the evening of the bout. The ring is cleaned after every fight and gloves and hand wraps destroyed.

GOLF

EUROPEAN TOUR players have to self-test at home before they head to a tournament and they are then tested again on arrival. They are required to stay in pre-approved hotels – where they can dine with only one pre-assigned ‘buddy’ – and they are not allowed to visit anywhere other than the golf course for the duration of the event.

FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE players are being tested up to three times a week, with one of these being mandatory. There were three positive results in the week between September 14 and 20 out of a total of 1,574 tests across all clubs. EFL chiefs were testing once a week last season but, on medical advice, they have decided not to make tests mandatory, although many Championship clubs are doing their own.