Watford’s Mariappa confirms positive test for coronavirus

Watford defender Adrian Mariappa says he is one of three people who tested positive for coronavirus at the English club.

He told the Telegraph: “It’s quite scary how you can feel absolutely fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus.

“If it wasn’t for the fact I had gone back to training and had this test, then I’d never have found out that I had the virus.”

On Tuesday, it was announced there had been six positive tests across three Premier League clubs.

The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 92 fixtures remaining.

The league had previously identified 12 June for matches to possibly start again but there is now an expectation this will need to be pushed back.

‘I feel fit as ever’ – Mariappa

“It was a big surprise because I haven’t really left the house,” Mariappa, 33, said, also speaking to the Telegraph

“Apart from some exercise and the odd walk with the kids, I’ve mainly just been homeschooling and keeping fit.

“My lifestyle is very quiet, certainly no parties or going out or anything, so I really don’t know how I got it.”

The Jamaica international said he has had no symptoms and felt “as fit as ever”.

He added: “It’s quite scary how you can feel absolutely fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus.

“If it wasn’t for the fact I had gone back to training and had this test, then I’d never have found out that I had the virus and I would just be getting on with things as normal. That’s obviously quite a strange thought.”

Players and staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for seven days.

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Source: BBC Sport