Adrian in quarantine as Troy stays away
from some exercise and the odd walk with the kids. I’ve mainly been home-schooling and keeping fit.
“My lifestyle is very quiet, certainly no parties or going out or anything, so I really don’t know how I got it.
“Like most people, we’ve been having more deliveries of food and things, so maybe that’s one way – and my partner has been to the supermarket a few times.”
While Mariappa is now in quarantine for seven days, Watford boss Nigel Pearson insists he is fully behind his squad after four players joined captain Troy Deeney in exercising their right not to attend training.
Pearson said: “I have spoken to players who have chosen that, at the moment, that is their stance. We abide with what we have already said to them and we respect their decision.
“One of the key factors is there are still a few unanswered questions and whenever there is an element of doubt and players feel that there are too many question marks, then we respect their decision. Our aim as a club is to protect our own players and make sure we do what we can to prepare them for what the next stage is, whatever that is.”
Two members of Watford’s staff were also revealed to have had the virus after widespread testing across the top flight on Sunday and Monday.
In total, six positive cases were confirmed (0.8 per cent) from a total of 748 tests.
Burnley revealed on Tuesday evening that their assistant boss Ian Woan had tested positive, but until yesterday Mariappa had been anonymous.
The Hornets want the Premier League to provide some reassurance and “science” to allay the fears of the players but are relaxed over their no-shows, feeling the non-contact phase of the return does not require players to do anything at the training ground that they could not do at home.
They are continuing to provide support for all their staff, including the individuals forced to self-isolate.
Premier League officials insist games will only be played again when it is “safe and appropriate”.