Chelsea has revealed that their striker Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive for Corona virus and as a result, all senior players and the coaching staff led by Frank Lampard have all self-isolated.
The England international, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents, is the first player with any connection to Ghana to have infected with the deadly disease that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people globally.
Hudson-Odoi, who is the son of former Hearts of Oak players Bismark Odoi, is the latest football figure to test positive for the virus that has caused sporting event cancellations and suspensions in many continent.
According to reports,he displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold On Monday morning and was asked to stay away from training before test confirmed on Friday that he has tested positive.
“Chelsea men’s team player Callum Hudson-Odoi had a positive test result for Corona virus returned this evening. Chelsea personnel who had recent close contact with the player in the men’s team building will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines,” Chelsea said in a statement on Friday morning.
“These will include initially the full men’s team squad, coaching staff and a number of the backroom staff.
“It is expected that those who did not have close contact with Callum will return to work in the coming days.
“In the meantime, the men’s team building, one of several separate buildings at our training ground, will remain closed. The rest of our training facility, Stamford Bridge and our other facilities are operating as normal.
“Callum displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning and has not been at the training ground since then as a precaution.
“However, his test came in positive this evening and he will undergo a period of self-isolation. Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible.
“We will continue to adhere to Government and Public Health Guidelines about our facilities and staff and will be discussing next steps with regards to upcoming fixtures with the Premier League on Friday morning. We will provide further updates as necessary via the club’s website.
“We wish Callum a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the club soon.”
The Blues were set to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, March 14 but given that the UK government guidelines recommend 14 days of isolation it is unlikely that the game will go ahead.
“However, his test came in positive this evening and he will undergo a period of self-isolation. Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible.
Thank you for all your good wishes, as I said in the video I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon!!🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/hn5d0ikm60
— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 13, 2020
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The 19-year old sent a message to his fans through social media offering update on his health condition.
“Hi guys, as you may be aware I had the virus for the last couple of days, which I’ve recovered from,” Hudson-Odoi began.
“I’m following the health guidelines and self-isolating for the week. I hope to see everybody soon and hopefully be back on the pitch very soon. Take care.”
Pressure has been growing on the English football authorities to consider playing games behind closed doors and banning fans from stadiums or even suspending the competition.
More than 50 members of staff have self-isolated at Arsenal following the confirmation that Arteta has contracted corona virus while three Leicester City players have also taken similar
Benjamin Mendy is also understood to be in self-isolation after a family member of the Manchester City defender was taken ill with corona virus.
COVID-19 is a new strain of the corona virus that has surged around the world in recent months.
The Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding fixtures after Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 12, 2020
Statement: https://t.co/ofi5DhIQZM pic.twitter.com/RmnxRHXooz
The corona viruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory diseases. Flu is caused by a different virus. There is no vaccine for corona virus, though researchers are working on one and hope to begin testing soon.
Older people, especially those with chronic illnesses such as heart or lung disease, are most at risk. The corona virus spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes, though it also can be transferred from surfaces.
The best way to prevent infection is by frequent hand-washing, cleaning surfaces with regular household sprays and wipes, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
