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An unnamed Philadelphia Union player has become what is believed to be the first positive coronavirus case in Major League Soccer.
The Philadelphia Union announced on Wednesday afternoon that a player had tested positive for Covid-19 but was “feeling well” and had experienced “mild symptoms.”
“The player is observing appropriate isolation protocols,” a statement from the team reads. “No other cases or symptoms within Philadelphia Union soccer operations have been identified at this time.”
The player is the believed to be the first in the league. An unnamed player for USL Championship club Sacramento Republic tested positive last week.
The Union haven’t trained at the Power Training Complex in Chester since March 12 and players and technical staff have not returned to the campus near Subaru Park on the Delaware River waterfront.
“Based upon guidance from Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials, infectious disease specialists and Major League Soccer health officials, this case does not present a risk to our fans, our most recent opponent, LAFC, or any of the other Union players, staff, or personnel and Union players and personnel do not need to be tested as the team is outside of the 14-day window where anyone with team related interactions with the player would have reported symptoms,” the statement reads.
According to numbers from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 390 cases had been reported in Delaware County as of Wednesday afternoon and 7 deaths. There were over 4,000 cases in the region, according to a chart on the Philadelphia Inquirer website.
“In addition to working with our infectious disease specialist, we remain in consultation with the CDC, local health authorities and Major League Soccer regarding this situation,” the team statement reads. “The health and safety of our players, coaches, and staff remain our top priority.”
The league training moratorium is set to expire on Friday and all games have been suspended through May 10 but both dates are sure to change as the novel coronavirus continues to spread in the region. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has issued a statewide stay at home order through April 30.