Livestream on March 25 – Ahead of today's World Cup qualifier against Iceland, the German national team tested positive for COVID-19. According to Bild, the infected person was Jonas Hoffmann of Borussia Moncheng.
Two players in the team have been quarantined. One is Hoffmann and the other is Marcel Halstenberg in Leipzig. The latter did not test positive but has been isolated from the team as a close contact. The Leipzig star has now left the hotel of the German national team. Other players were temporarily asked to stay in their rooms.
Hoffman was no longer visible as the players took two team buses to the training ground to warm up. Loew took an extra shuttle.
Earlier, all players had undergone relevant tests. Result: All negative. Yesterday UEFA also tested and at first, all the feedback results were negative. A few hours later, a positive result was reported.
In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the German national team said: "Both the national team players and staff were tested for PCR on Wednesday and received positive test results on Thursday morning. In close cooperation with the Düsseldorf health department, national players who test positive and are currently asymptomatic were immediately identified and quarantined. ”
The statement added: "Contact investigations and further coordination with the health sector are currently under way. Since the national team assembled on Monday, two PCR and one antigen rapid test have been conducted at the team's hotel. ”
German national team leader Oliver Bierhoff said: "It was painful for the coach and the whole team to get the news shortly before the start of the game. But we remain optimistic about this, as so far we have implemented all hygiene measures in accordance with strict discipline. Of course, we will implement all the requirements of the authorities. ”
It is unclear what impact the incident will have on the evening match in Duisburg. A Spokesman for the German national team said at noon that the match "can definitely be carried out according to the current state of affairs". The decision is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health in Düsseldorf.
(London at night)