MLB sees 13 positive COVID-19 tests during initial spring training intake

Rain drops on the Major League Baseball (MLB) logo on the railing of the dug out before a game. ( EPA/JEFF KOWALSKY)

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association announced Friday the results of the first round of COVID-19 testing results at spring training, which found 13 positive cases among 4,336 tests (0.3 per cent).

The tests were conducted by an independent lab in Utah as part of the mandatory intake screening process under MLB’s COVID-19 health monitoring and testing plan for the 2021 season.

All MLB active roster players, non-roster invitees and Tier 1 and 2 club staff members are required to complete the process — which includes a five-day at-home quarantine, a contactless temperature check, a diagnostic PCR saliva test, an antibody test and a self-quarantine until the results of the PCR are reported — prior to the upcoming start of full-squad workouts.

Of the 13 positive novel coronavirus cases, nine were players and four were staff members. Eleven teams had at least one individual test positive.

Sunday, Feb. 28 marks the first day of spring training games, with 28 of 30 teams (including the Toronto Blue Jays) in action.

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