Premier League clubs are in talks to halt the football season amid a rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, a report from England indicated on Tuesday. The teams and the competition's stakeholders are said to be considering the implementation of a two-week "cooling break" with the number of infected individuals increasing.
On Tuesday, the Premier League announced a record 18 positive Covid-19 cases following a test of 1,479 players and staff. This was an increase of 11 on last week's tests. A host of the affected were said to be from the camp of Sheffield United, Southampton, Arsenal and, particularly, Manchester City. On Monday, the Citizens, with Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and a host of others affected, had their league encounter with Everton postponed indefinitely as a result of the outbreak over the Christmas period.
| Following a Premier League Board Meeting this afternoon, #EFC has been informed that tonight's fixture against @ManCity has been postponed on medical grounds due to an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Manchester City squad.
— Everton (@Everton) December 28, 2020
In the English Football League, nine matches were postponed. Tottenham's Premier League clash with Fulham on Wednesday is also purportedly in doubt as are the fixtures scheduled for the first weekend of January 2021 and the FA Cup third round matches.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Premier League chairmen have held talks and are open to the idea of a temporary break in January to access the situation and protect their players, and staff members for the rest of the footballing calendar.
Sheffield United can confirm the club recorded a number of positive coronavirus tests after the latest round of testing.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) December 29, 2020
The individuals who have tested positive have now entered into a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and Government guidelines.
