MLS announces that 18 players have tested positive for COVID-19

NEW YORK – Major League Soccer provided an update on the results of COVID-19 testing for players, coaches and club staff since the resumption of full team training.

As of Sunday, 18 MLS players and six club staff received positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests prior to travel to Orlando for the MLS is Back Tournament. A total of 668 players have been tested since early June.

In connection with the resumption of full team training in early June, MLS clubs began comprehensive testing of MLS players and technical staff that consisted of:

• completion of two PCR tests 24 hours apart within approximately 72 hours prior to the start of training; and
• continued PCR testing every other day once training began.

Twenty-five of the 26 MLS clubs were able to commence full team training prior to traveling to Orlando for the MLS is Back Tournament, and all of the 25 clubs conducted testing pursuant to this protocol.

Prior to traveling to Orlando, all players, coaches, referees, club personnel and league staff are required to complete an additional two PCR tests 24 hours apart and within approximately 72 hours of travel. Upon arrival in Florida, all individuals are required to immediately take another PCR test and are quarantined until they receive the results of that test. To date, 329 people have been administered PCR tests on-site, and two were positive, both of which were players who had just arrived.

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Orlando will participate in a clinical assessment by a healthcare provider and moved to the isolation area of the hotel until he or she receives medical clearance.

While in isolation, MLS players and other staff will be in daily communication with and receive remote care from a healthcare provider, including monitoring of symptoms and regular follow-up testing.

MLS is working in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and Osceola County, to identify any close contacts. Close contacts will also receive follow-up PCR testing and may be restricted from participating in group meals and recreational activities until cleared.

Beginning June 30, MLS will provide an update every other day with aggregated COVID-19 testing results for all members of the MLS is Back Tournament delegation staying at the host hotel in Florida.