x

International

10 Positive COVID-19 Cases among Germany’s Top Soccer Clubs

BERLIN  — The German soccer league reported 10 positive tests for the new coronavirus among 36 clubs in the Bundesliga and second division on Monday.

The DFL said that 1,724 tests for COVID-19 were carried out over two rounds among players, coaches, physiotherapists and other staff. The tests were part of the league's hygiene concept as it bids to restart competitive games some time in May. It said teams will also undertake a "a mandatory training camp under quarantine conditions before a possible continuation."

Only four possible cases had been reported already. Cologne on Friday said it had three positive cases, while second-division Stuttgart reported one "inconclusive result" from a person on Sunday. Reportedly a player, he was separated from his colleagues and placed in quarantine for 14 days.

Of the 18 Bundesliga teams, only Leipzig, Augsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach declined to give details of their test results. The DFL warned clubs in an email from director Ansgar Schwenken late Sunday not to share any more details of results with the media.

Cologne faced criticism from within from midfielder Birger Verstraete, who told Belgian TV station VTM that it was "not entirely correct" that he had not been in contact with the affected individuals.

"The physiotherapist is the man who treated me and other players for weeks. And I paired up with one of the two players in the gym on Thursday," Verstraete told VTM.

The Belgian midfielder said the decision not to quarantine the whole squad "is a bit bizarre," but he backtracked Sunday, when Cologne issued a statement to defend its measures.

The DFL said, "The relevant measures, for example the isolation of the affected people and surrounding checks, were carried out directly by the respective clubs in accordance with the requirements of the local health authorities."

Testing will continue regardless of whether competitive games restart or not.

Last Thursday, Chancellor Angela Merkel and 16 state governors postponed a decision until Wednesday on whether the Bundesliga could resume without fans present. She warned there was still a danger that COVID-19 infections could rise if containment measures were relaxed too soon.

Clubs across the top two divisions had committed to finishing the season by the end of June.

RELATED

Bayern Munich will host Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund hosts Paris Saint-Germain in the first legs of the Champions League semifinals.

Top Stories

Columnists

A pregnant woman was driving in the HOV lane near Dallas.

General News

NEW YORK – Meropi Kyriacou, the new Principal of The Cathedral School in Manhattan, was honored as The National Herald’s Educator of the Year.

Video

9 Are Facing Charges in What Police in Canada Say is the Biggest Gold Theft in the Country’s History

TORONTO (AP) — Police said nine people are facing charges in what authorities are calling the biggest gold theft in Canadian history from Toronto’s Pearson International airport a year ago.

CLAYMONT, DE – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey held its annual Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention at The Waterfall in Claymont, Delaware, on April 9.

In seaside KALAMATA, MESSINIA, bright, renovated three-bedroom, 4th floor APARTMENT FOR SALE with built-in kitchen appliances, spacious terraces, awnings, dedicated laundry area and good layout.

STATEN ISLAND, NY - New York State Assemblyman Michael Tannousis has submitted a bill that repeals Congestion Pricing plan of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was announced by Republican state lawmaker Michalis Tannousis at a press conference held on Monday, April 15, at the Verazzano Bridge monument.

ATHENS - "The absolute priority of the government is the continuous increase in citizens' income with permanent measures, something that becomes even more necessary due to the persistent, imported price spike," government spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, said on Thursday during a press briefing held in Thessaloniki.

Enter your email address to subscribe

Provide your email address to subscribe. For e.g. [email protected]

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in our newsletter.