Coronavirus prevention made top priority for Chinese Super League restart
CGTN

The prevention of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic was made a top priority for the Chinese Super League, which is set to start on July 25, according to the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

To make sure the season can safely and successfully unfold, a comprehensive prevention guideline has been put in place, which covers all players and referees, the press as well as all working staff at the venues and hotels.

"What we are aiming for is zero infectiou cases and keeping the risk of getting infected at a minimum level," said Qi Jun, a CFA official who oversees the league's COVID-19 prevention and containment work.

The designated hotel for players and referees during the first phase of the Chinese Super League 2020 season in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, July 17, 2020. /VCG

The designated hotel for players and referees during the first phase of the Chinese Super League 2020 season in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, July 17, 2020. /VCG

During the first phase of the new season under such special circumstances, 16 teams have been split into two groups and will play in their respective venue, one in the northeastern city Dalian and one in eastern city Suzhou. The games from July 25 to September 28 will have no spectators.

All participants, including those working at the venues and hotels, will be confined to "Blue Area" – a designated enclosed area. No one is allowed to leave the area unless for the purpose of playing a game or attending a training session.

The teams are expected to arrive at the two host cities on Sunday. As required, each team should already finish their two COVID-19 tests and one antibody test before departure.

A medicine therapy room in the hotel where players and referees reside during the first phase of the Chinese Super League 2020 season in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, east China, July 17, 2020. /VCG

A medicine therapy room in the hotel where players and referees reside during the first phase of the Chinese Super League 2020 season in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, east China, July 17, 2020. /VCG

They will undergo another test upon arrival at Dalian or Suzhou. All those staying in the "Blue Area" will receive tests once a week during the first phase of the tournament.

"We will persist under quarantine until the first phase is over at the end of September," said Qi. "We believe we can complete the prevention task in success."

(Cover image: A banner to welcome the Chinese Super League's teams is seen in front of the hotel for the team at the first phase of the 2020 season in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, east China, July 17, 2020. /VCG)