5 Persita Players Tested Positive For COVID-19

Persita Tangerang (Dok. Persita Tangerang)

JAKARTA - Positive cases of COVID-19 in the midst of the 2021/2022 League 1 competition have increased again. Recently, Persita Tangerang confirmed that five of their players had tested positive for exposure.

Based on information revealed by Persita manager, I Nyoman Suryanthara, five Persita players tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing routine PCR tests ahead of the match which took place in Bali.

"As usual we always undergo a PCR test before the game. And on Tuesday, February 1 night, the PCR results came out, five players and one official were exposed to COVID-19," Nyoman said on the club's official website.

After getting confirmation about the test results of the five players from the medical team, Persita immediately acted quickly. The club immediately isolated the five players to prevent wider transmission.

"The medical team immediately moved and we have anticipated by separating the players and officials who are positive from the rest of the group," said Nyoman.

"Everything is of course still under the supervision of the Persita medical team. Because all those who are positive are without symptoms. Hopefully after quarantine for the next few days, all can recover quickly," added Nyoman.

Although it has confirmed that five of its players have tested positive for COVID-19, Persita is reluctant to explain in detail which players have to be sidelined. This is done by the club in order to maintain the psychology of players, both those who have to self-isolate or who are in good health.

As a stricter precautionary measure, Persita decided to carry out a PCR test independently in the team. This step was chosen as a comparison of test results which are routinely carried out before the match.

"Just to make sure (the condition of the players) and this is also related to the psychology of the players," he said.

"For the rest, we will definitely continue to refer to the regulations and health protocols that have been set by the competition operator. Because later on Saturday, one day before the match week 23, we will also undergo PCR again according to the regulations," concluded Nyoman.

This news adds to the long list of clubs whose players have been exposed to COVID-19. Persita became the eighth club to be affected by the COVID-19 storm after PSS Sleman, Persebaya Surabaya, Persib Bandung, Arema FC, Persija Jakarta, Persiraja Banda Aceh and Madura United.