Approximately 1,700 coronavirus tests conducted on all 36 Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs before start of team training
- Ten cases of infection identified
- Individual compliance with general hygiene guidelines required
- Second wave of tests already underway
4 May 2020 – As part of a first wave, a total of 1,724 coronavirus tests have been conducted on the 36 Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs since Thursday. Samples were taken from players and other team personnel, including coaching staff and physiotherapists, and then examined by five specialist laboratory associations across Germany.
Ten cases were identified and reported to health authorities. Appropriate measures, such as the isolation of affected individuals and associated diagnostic investigations, were carried out directly by the respective clubs in accordance with guidelines issued by local health authorities.
Each individual has the fundamental responsibility to comply with general hygiene guidelines in their everyday life. This is in addition to the consistent implementation of the “Sports Medicine / Special Match Operations Task Force” concept in the clubs to more effectively prevent infection. Frequent testing is designed to prevent, as much as possible, previously infected individuals from taking part in training and match operations and potentially infecting others as a result. Primary objective is to ensure maximum precaution based on detailed distancing and hygiene measures and ongoing monitoring.
A second wave of tests will be carried out this week. Here too, there may be isolated positive test results, especially since one of the objectives of this second round is to reduce the probability of “false negative” results, which can never be completely ruled out. The DFL will continue to provide information on the results after this second wave of testing.
In coordination with the Federal Ministry of Labour, in addition to the two waves of testing that are currently being conducted before team training begins, other measures have been integrated into the concept, such as a mandatory training camp under quarantine conditions before a possible resumption of matches and voluntary testing of the player families before a possible season continuation.. With the start of team training, which requires the approval of the local authorities, two tests per week will be scheduled at regular intervals.
The tests conducted in the past few days have served their purpose of providing additional security and thus protecting players to the maximum extent possible from infection during team training or match operations. In the coming weeks and months, it will continue to be a matter of consistently implementing the agreed measures in both everyday club life as well as in the private sphere. In the event of a positive test result, the local health authorities are responsible for making decisions on measures to be taken.