While a leading Italian epidemiologist assures football can continue even if another Serie A player tests positive for COVID-19, the WHO warns antibodies might not mean immunity.
The latest Government decree expires on May 4 and we should see Italian society moving into Phase 2, easing the lockdown measures and opening up some areas of work and life.
This should include a return to training for professional football players, who will be rigorously tested with both swabs and blood tests, to identify antibodies.
While a leading Italian epidemiologist assures football can continue even if another Serie A player tests positive for COVID-19, the WHO warns antibodies might not mean immunity.
The latest Government decree expires on May 4 and we should see Italian society moving into Phase 2, easing the lockdown measures and opening up some areas of work and life.
This should include a return to training for professional football players, who will be rigorously tested with both swabs and blood tests, to identify antibodies.
“I am in favour of resuming training, but only if we consider it part of an overall easing of lockdown measures throughout the entire country,” epidemiologist Francesco Vaia told the Corriere dello Sport.
“Italy has to get back on track, respecting the parameters of common sense and science. That means strict rules and constant monitoring. I can also say that we’ll start experimenting a vaccine in vitro from the end of May to the start of June. We are speeding through the process.”
Many have asked what would happen if Serie A resumed and a player tested positive?
“The answer is, treat football the same way as the healthcare workers,” continued the chief of the Spallanzani hospital for infectious diseases in Rome.
“In this case, if I find a healthcare worker who tests positive, I don’t suspend everyone from work. I put those who came into contact with him under observation, with blood tests and swabs. These rules allowed us to ensure zero positive cases among a thousand workers at the Spallanzani."
Contract tracing during this period should be relatively simple, as clubs will set up training retreats with only very limited personnel and not let the squads go home.
“When it comes to football, the most important element is the blood test, as if there are alterations in the IgG (immunoglobulin), then move on to the swabs. This has provided excellent results, as we spotted those who are positive and those who developed antibodies.”
The medical protocol drawn up by the FIGC includes separating players out in the early stages of training between those who tested positive, tested negative and who have already developed the antibodies.
However, the World Health Organisation released a statement this morning pointing out “there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.”
This means the idea floated of an ‘immunity passport’ allowing people to move freely if they have the antibodies is by absolutely no means a guarantee.