Multiple players on the Philadelphia Phillies have contracted COVID-19 after working out at the team's Clearwater facility, the team says.
5 players and 3 staff members working at the club’s Clearwater facility have tested positive for coronavirus, with the first confirmed case happening June 16.
In addition, 8 staff members have tested negative for the virus, while 12 staff members and 20 players (both major league and minor league players) living in the Clearwater area are in the process of being tested and are awaiting the results of those tests, the organization says.
“The Phillies are committed to the health and welfare of our players, coaches and staff as our highest priority, and as a result of these confirmed tests, all facilities in Clearwater have been closed indefinitely to all players, coaches and staff and will remain closed until medical authorities are confident that the virus is under control and our facilities are disinfected,” Managing Partner John Middleton said.
In terms of the implications of this outbreak on the Phillies’ 2020 season, the club declined to comment, believing that it is too early to know.
