Everton’s first-team squad and coaching staff are self-isolating after a player reported symptoms of COVID-19, the English Premier League (EPL) club said on Friday.
The development follows Arsenal’s decision to isolate their squad and staff after manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus.
Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi has also tested positive.
However, Everton did not name the player who reported symptoms.
“Everton Football Club can confirm that, as a precautionary measure, its entire first team squad and coaching staff are undertaking a period of self-isolation following medical advice,” the club said in a statement.
“The step has been taken after a first team player reported symptoms consistent with coronavirus. The club is in regular contact with the player in question and is monitoring the well-being of all players and staff.”
Bournemouth also confirmed that five people —- including goalkeeper Artur Boruc and four first-team members of the staff —- are self-isolating after displaying symptoms.
The club said it was a precautionary measure and that none of them had tested positive for the virus.
The Premier League had issued a statement on Thursday saying that matches “will go ahead as scheduled this weekend”.
But they faced pressure to suspend the season, forcing them to convene an emergency meeting on Friday, where it was decided the competition should be suspended.
Everton were scheduled to host league leaders and Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Monday.
Top European leagues such as Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga have already been suspended after players either tested positive for the coronavirus or were quarantined.
European football governing body UEFA has also postponed all Champions League and Europa League matches that were due to take place next week.(Reuters/NAN)
