One thing that has been notable about the coronavirus outbreak is the amount of sportspeople who have had the illness. It was confirmed that both Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi had positive tests within a couple of hours last week, while the phenomena has been even more pronounced in other countries.
A number of footballs in Italy, Spain, and Germany have contracted the virus. In the United States, a number of NBA players have also tested positive.
Considering the relatively few number of positive cases in relation to overall population sizes, it seems remarkable that so many would happen in the world of professional sport. Then again, this is almost certainly just a matter of availability of tests.
Most of the cases mentioned above involved fairly mild symptoms being tested, or in the case of some, such as NBA superstar Kevin Durant, there were none present at all.
The fact that these individuals were given tests in such circumstances has not gone down well in many quarters. There is a shortage of tests available to the general public, especially in countries such as the USA. As a result, is likely that the numbers of people carrying the coronavirus is much higher than official numbers indicate.
One Spanish club have now decided they wouldn't feel right in using up these resources which could be needed elsewhere.
Real Valladolid were offered the chance by La Liga to test their entire first team staff, but turned down the opportunity so that the tests could be used by those who actually need them. This was confirmed by club spokesperson club spokesman David Espinar, who said in a statement:
La Liga offered them to us (the tests), but we have not taken them for medical and social reasons.
No player has presented any symptoms and we believe that there are people out there who are much less well off than we are who need them far more than we do. It is those (people) who should have priority.
Valencia have confirmed five cases, including players Ezequiel Garay and Eliaquim Mangala, while Alaves have returned 15 positive tests amongst players and staff.
Spain is currently one of the countries that has been worst hit by COVID-19. So far, just under 15,000 cases have been officially confirmed, with 638 deaths.
La Liga has been suspended until April 5th, but it is likely the hiatus will go on for considerably longer.
