PFL delays 2020 season opener due to 9 COVID-19 cases inside the bubble

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Philippines Football League (PFL) will be moving their set date for its 2020 season after nine personnel inside its bubble tested positive for COVID-19.

Initially, five players and one coach from two different participating clubs tested positive. But further tests showed three more positive results after testing those who came in close contact with them.

The PFL management quickly put all positive personnel in isolation after getting the results.

“We have anticipated this scenario hence there is a set of health and safety protocols in place for incidents such as this. What is important is that all continue to adhere with the protocols which are aimed to prevent or minimize the spread of the virus. Upon checking, we have confirmed that those who tested positive admitted they had a close contact with the player who was first to test positive,” said PFL commissioner Coco Torre.

Aside from the COVID-19 situation inside the bubble, the PFL also bared that tropical depression “Quinta” is one of the reasons why they decided to postpone the tournament.

“We put emphasis on the safety of each and every individual in the bubble, whether player, staff, or match official. We understand the current situation and with participants’ strict compliance with bubble-specific protocols, we hope to push through with kickoff in a few days,” said PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes.