Wakefield Trinity report zero positive cases following first round of Covid-19 testing

WAKEFIELD Trinity are primed for a return to training on Monday after reporting zero cases of coronavirus following their first round of Covid-19 testing this week.
NEGATIVE: Wakefield Trinity have reported zero positive tests after their first round of Covid-19 testing this week. Picture: Chris Mangnall/SWpix.com.NEGATIVE: Wakefield Trinity have reported zero positive tests after their first round of Covid-19 testing this week. Picture: Chris Mangnall/SWpix.com.
NEGATIVE: Wakefield Trinity have reported zero positive tests after their first round of Covid-19 testing this week. Picture: Chris Mangnall/SWpix.com.

Next week, Trinity will return to Belle Vue to train as a squad for the first time since March, to prepare for their first fixture in over four months against Wigan Warriors on August 9.

They held their first round of tests for coronavirus earlier this week and head coach Chris Chester has confirmed that all samples came back negative.

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Covid-19 swab tests involve a cotton bud taking samples from the back of the throat and each nostril and although it was an uncomfortable experience for Chester, he admits it is only a small sacrifice to make if it means a safe return to action.

"We just want to get out there now. We have all been tested negative," confirmed Chester.

"It has been a long, long time and frustrating time but we finally get to do what we love doing and that is working hard and with the players on a day-to-day basis."

Explaining the process of the test, he said: "You put your name and address on a bit of paper and next thing a big long cotton bud comes out and you wonder, 'Oof, Where's that going?'

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"From start to finish it probably only took a minute and a half. There were five swabs at the back of throat on the right side and five on the left. They then turn the cotton bud around and put it up one nostril for five turns and then up the other nostril.

RETURNING: Wakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester is eager to get back to training after a four-month lay-off. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.RETURNING: Wakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester is eager to get back to training after a four-month lay-off. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
RETURNING: Wakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester is eager to get back to training after a four-month lay-off. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

"It was a pretty uncomfortable experience and I am certainly not looking forward to having it done next week, and the week after that but if it keeps us safe it means we can all go to work, it is a small price to pay."

A number of protocols have been put in place at Belle Vue to ensure contact between players is minimised upon their return.

The squad will only train in groups of six initially while there will also be a one-way system set up, with a door for entry and another for an exit.

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Chester added: "We can't loiter at the stadium, there will be nowhere to eat or drink and we will come in one door and go out another.

"The players are well aware of what is expected of them and what they can and can't do.

"It is going to be very strange the first week to get used to it but once we get that first week under our belt it will come pretty naturally to everybody."

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