Positive news for restart of EPL

The English Premier League’s hopes of restarting the season on June 18 (NZ time) has been given a boost, after no positive results were returned in the latest round of coronavirus tests.

A total of 1195 players and club staff were tested in the sixth screening session last week, and that yielded the second all-clear.

The news is another step in the right direction for the league, which is scheduled to resume on June 18.

There were six positive cases from three clubs in round one, two from two clubs in round two, a further four from two clubs in round three, none from round four and one from round five.

That means there have been a total of 13 positives from 6274 tests administered.

Testing will continue on a twice-weekly basis.

When the action does resume, stadiums will be divided into three zones, as clubs work towards agreeing matchday protocols.

Clubs met to discuss some of the logistics and West Ham vicechairman Karren Brady has revealed how stadiums will be split into three sections.

‘‘We are now in the process of agreeing the matchday protocols, which will include everything from zoning the stadium into red, amber and green zones,’’ Brady said.

‘‘Red zone will be the most severely restricted area, including the pitch, the tunnel, technical areas, changing rooms will be limited to 105 people maximum, to include players, coaching staff, match officials and all the essential staff only.

‘‘And only those who have tested negative for Covid-19 in the past five days can enter this area.’’

The league’s rule that clubs must pick their strongest available team remains in place, while players must not spit, share drinks or shake hands.

PA